LDV-VOYAGE, Issue 1

Issue 01, Winter '20 - '21

Living La Dolce Vita

Table of Contents

03

Editor's note

05

Interview with photographer Julie Denby

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Interview with VT landscape photographer Sam Trombino

13

Christmas in New England

22

Bran Castle, Romania

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Neuschwanstein Castle

28

Tips for when you wanna travel with your cat

31

How to master a car travel

Living La Dolce Vita

Editorial Anca Chirita Editor-In-Chief Penni Ellington

Senior Editor

Contact us www.ldv-voyage.com info@ldv-voyage.com

Editor's Note I’d like to welcome you all to our very first issue of LDV-Voyage magazine, The Winter Issue. This is gonna be a quarterly magazine, one issue published per season.

I never realized how much I'm gonna miss seasons until I moved to the sunny LA. But this gorgeous Lalaland I happily still live in, where everything seems to be in place at all times, taught me the importance of seasons and variety, and most importantly, that it's ok when some things get out of place a little bit every now and then. With that wisdom and my love for travel I decided to create a magazine. A new issue will come out each season. And of course the first issue had to be dedicated to my favorite season, the winter.

LDV stands for La Dolce Vita. Not the classic Italian movie from the 60's, but the meaning of the expression La Dolce Vita, (which came out a lot during the movie, and after). La Dolce Vita means the good life, the sweet life.

LDV Voyage is a platform for travel enthusiasts, explorers and adventurers. We tell stories that inform & inspire travel, with the main purpose of helping our readers discover new places and embark on new adventures, living their own form of La Dolce Vita.

Our mission is to create a collaborative space for travel & lifestyle photographers, storytellers, content creators, and anyone in between, and to assist small businesses in the travel industry (who are especially struggling so much right now). Let’s just hope we’ll soon be able to travel freely & safely again.

Anca Chirita

ANCA CHIRITA Editor-In-Chief

Living La Dolce Vita

IT DOESN’T MATTER WHERE YOU ARE. YOU ARE NOWHERE COMPARED TO WHERE YOU CAN GO - Bob Proctor -

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Interview with Instagram Influencer JULIE DENBY

1. Hi Julie! We are so glad to have you. Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Hi! My name is Julie Denby, I run a lifestyle account @julesdenby. I love coffee, carbs and exploring. I’m a stay at home mom to my son Gabe, so I balance work with being a mom too.

2. Your pictures are very beautiful and inspiring. No wonder you have so many followers on Instagram.

How did your passion for photography start?

I started studying photography in high school! My teacher was so inspiring and I just ran with it. I studied journalism in college and ended up pursuing a career in fashion for many years! I started my account as a fashion one. Then ultimately turned it into a lifestyle account to incorporate more types of photography.

3. What equipment do you use? What camera, or filters/ if you only use your iPhone?

I use my iPhone! I see the appeal of working with a camera and I have done so in the past. But being a mom and having other things to carry, the iPhone was way easier and I felt I wasn’t sacrificing style. To edit I use Vsco, Snapseed and Facetune.

4. You capture landscape, lifestyle and also local businesses. Where do you see tourism going in 2021?

I guess it depends on the individual and their level of comfortability with traveling during Covid. It's been fun exploring and finding hidden gems in my area! We’ve been road tripping and sticking to the East Coast area for now. Hopefully soon we will get on a plane and visit family in London.

5. What are your top favorite places in New England?

New Hampshire is my number one. Followed closely by Maine, Connecticut, then the state of Vermont.

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6. What would you recommend a tourist to visit on a week vacation in New England?

Definitely visit MT Washington and the surrounding areas and stay at Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods. The cute little town of Littleton is also adorable and there are so many cute shops to support. Also, head to Franconia in Maine for a hike, to visit a flower farm, jump in the river and pick up some local maple syrup to take home!

7. As a photographer, I’m sure you feel attached to all your photos. But you must have a favorite. Which one is it, and what makes this your favorite one?

My favorite photo changes with the seasons and the themes my feed goes through! I’m currently channeling spring so I’m loving all my flower photos!

OMNI MOUNT WASHINGTON RESORT

www.ldv-voyage.com

CONNECTICUT

All images by incredibly talented Julie Denbie. Make sure to follow her on Instagram at @julesdenby to learn more about her creative journey.

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Interview with Landscape Photographer SAM TROMBINO

Sam is a rural landscape, commercial, corporate, and portrait photographer living in the Green Mountains of Vermont. Living in New England most of his life, he’s been photographing the rural beauty of this picturesque place on and off since 1987, and full time in the past 6 years. He was kind enough to take the time and chat with us.

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Hi Sam! Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to us. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Where does your passion for photography come from? What was that AHA moment?

Hi Anca and thank you for the opportunity to share a bit of my story with your readers. I am a born and raised New Englander originally from Massachusetts.

I relocated to Vermont in 1995 and never left. I love the quiet and natural beauty and the pace is just my style. I work in public safety for the State of Vermont and have been for 25 years. I live in Chittenden County outside of Burlington which is very convenient to many amazing locations in Vermont. I originally started in photography in film decades ago.

I am self-taught and have crafted my point of view over many years. I primarily shoot rural landscapes.

That is my first love. But I have branched out into many areas over the years to include portraits, commercial projects, real estate and even pet photography. Photography takes a minute to learn but a lifetime to master. I am constantly honing my work and trying to learn new things to improve.

I started collecting cameras in my early teens mostly at yard sales and flea markets. I picked up an old Leica with a 50mm lens and started to play around with it. It began a fascination with light and capturing moments in time that cannot be replicated. My true AHA moment was when I bought my first new SLR. It was a Pentax K-1000 and I shot with that camera for over 20 years. I took a hiatus from photography for about 10 years. I was very reluctant to join the digital revolution. But I jumped back in about 7 years ago. And my craft really took off.

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Your pictures are gorgeous. They bring up childhood memories and nostalgic feelings for old and original. How do you manage to capture that authenticity?

I find that photography should evoke an emotional response. I also believe that why my images connect with people is that they can identify with a message I am trying to convey. In such difficult times people are seeking comfort and nostalgia. I feel that if I have an emotional connection to an image or scene that it comes through and others feel it too. I simply try to be faithful to my point of view. Most moments compose themselves. They play out in front of me and I simply try and accurately portray what my eyes see.

As a photographer, I’m sure you feel attached to all your photos. Each and every one of them must have a special place in your heart. But you must have a favorite. Which one is it, and what makes this your favorite one?

This might sound cliché but my favorite image is usually the one I am taking. However, I agree that I feel a strong attachment to most of my photos that I take.

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What inspires your art and feeds your creativity?

And how do you incorporate that into your art afterwards?

The weather might be my single most powerful thing that spurs my creativity. I simply love snow and the fall and tend to shoot far more in those seasons than I do in the spring and summer. I of course shoot during those seasons as well and I have captured some beautiful scenes. But there is something so special and comforting about fresh fallen snow. It is quiet and fresh and symbolizes a new start every time it snows.

Real Estate work is challenging but more formulaic and is a service more than a passion. I think that landscape photos with memories really become my favorites. Whether it was shooting with another person or some other powerful moment. I took an image this past fall of a tire swing framed by late September foliage. The light was golden and perfect and with a red barn in the background it simply moved me. It made me think of simpler times and good memories.

Vermont is gorgeous all year round. You have lived there since 1995. I’m sure you have lots of lots of favorite places. Could you please share with us your favorites?

Literally on any given day you can stumble over a beautiful spot in Vermont but I think I can list my top 5 for you: Woodstock Vermont. I love the vibe of the town and it is so close to some iconic photo spots including Sleepy Hollow Farm, The Jenne Farm and the Woodstock Inn. Lake Willoughby is amazing in any season.

The sunsets and foliage are glorious. The weather is very temperamental so it can be hit or miss. But when things align it can be magical.

Hillside Acres Farm in West Barnet Vermont is a stunning spot. You do have to hit it right for good lighting, but the owners of the property are very hospitable and kind to anyone who wants to enjoy the view.

They set up hay bales and signs welcoming you to sit awhile and enjoy.

The AM Foster Bridge in Cabot, Vermont is another favorite spot of mine. It is a covered bridge in a field with a small pond and an amazing view of the Green Mountains and the Adirondacks in the distance. It is a great sunset or early morning shot. It is also a favorite for astrophotography.

Lake Champlain is a must visit. As the only New England state that is landlocked. The lake offers us a unique sunset view. Facing west are the Adirondack Mountains and they are gorgeous. There are two lighthouses in the bay and they provide really awesome focal points. And the sunsets are spectacular. The city of Burlington is culturally diverse and there is so much to do and see.

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Also what are the first 3 places a tourist MUST SEE in Vermont during winter?

1. Stowe for both outdoor sports and the total vibe of the town.

2. Woodstock during the holidays is magical.

3. Manchester is also a must see for skiing and shopping and dining.

How do you feel about social media?

Social media could absolutely be an article all its own. But the short version is that social media is a great way to have your work seen by people.

However, there is a lot of competition and your work needs to stand out to get noticed. I think that too many people tie their worth to how a post does on Instagram or other platforms. It simply is not true. I am grateful that I have an amazing community that supports me. I think the key to social media is to be yourself and share who you are.

Try not to be fake influencer authentic. By that I mean you need to let people know who you are warts and all. Nobody’s life is perfect. I feel that people resonate with real stories by real people.

They know that curated perfect feeds are not genuine, and they cannot relate. Social media has become less social and more commercial and retail oriented. And with so many people vying for space to get viewed it can be very cutthroat. I live by the axiom of create don’t compete. I try to promote other photographers as much as I can.

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What social media platforms are best for landscape photographers?

While Instagram is the largest platform and the best chance to be seen, the images are cropped, and they are compressed. 500px is a good platform as is dayflash. I also post on Gurushots.

How can we find you on social media or anywhere else in the digital world?

Instagram is my main social media platform.

That’s where I post most frequently, on my both accounts: @samtrombinophotography & @vermontportraits.

Facebook: @samtrombinophotography Twitter: @SamTrombino And here is my Gurushots account: https://gurushots.com/vtmapleus/photos Thanks again, Sam! What a pleasure chatting with you! Hopefully we can do this again sometimes in the future!

All images on this interview are by Sam Trombino.

Christmas in New England

Living La Dolce Vita

The North Eastern region of the United States, known as New England, is one of the prettiest, most idyllic regions in the whole country, all year round (and especially around Christmastime). New England is made up of six beautiful states: Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut.

Its Colonial past makes New England the birthplace of America, being the battleground of the American Revolution. Incredibly rich in history & culture, home to some of the best universities and museums in the country, amazing urban & rural life, idyllic villages, romantic lighthouses and covered bridges, scenic drives, outdoor activities all year round, New England has something for everyone.

With four distinct seasons, the Atlantic coastline is gorgeous anytime, especially during the summer. New England is famous for offering the best autumn foliage. And if you are ok with cold and snow, winters can be absolutely beautiful in New England, especially around the holidays. There is absolutely nothing more magical than winter in New England, with a full roster of Christmas activities to boost your spirit.

Let's take a tour around the beautiful New England, state by state, and learn about their Christmas traditions.

Living La Dolce Vita

MAINE Also known as “the Pine Tree State” and “Vacationland,” Maine is by far the largest state in New England. Famous for its diverse landscapes and lighthouses, with lots of Also known as “the Pine Tree State” and “Vacationland,” Maine is by far the largest state in New England. Famous for its diverse landscapes and lighthouses, Maine has lots of forests & rocky coastline too. In fact, it’s coastline is even longer than California's.

Maine's coastline is 3,478-miles! Maine is also known for its wild blueberries, producing about 99% of the nation's wild blueberry crops.

And of course it’s home to many beloved writers (Stephen King is the patron saint of Maine, and many of his stories take place within the state). Not to mention its decadent lobster (even though you might say there’s plenty of good lobster all over New England, you haven't really tasted lobster until you've had the Maine lobster).

One of Maine’s major landmarks is Acadia National Park, a 47,000-acre land along the Atlantic coast, on Mount Desert Island. It is a must-see!!!

The holidays in Maine are truly special. This is when old and new traditions, combined with great food and fun activities, create a magical season. During this time of the year, Maine is centered around festive performances, twinkling lights, and incredible events throughout all of December. If you plan to visit Maine in December, Kennebunkport is not just one of the most beloved Christmas towns in Maine, but in the whole of New England. The town is known for its Christmas Prelude at the beginning of December, a fantastic festival hosting events like the classic tree lighting celebration, Christmas house tours, craft fairs, outdoor markets, and a unique coastal Maine tradition: the lighting of the Lobster Trap Tree.

Nubble Lighthouse, Maine. Photo credit: Angela Sweet

Sleepy Hollow Farm, Woodstock, VT. Photo credit: Sam Trombino

VERMONT Famous for many things: its incredible mountains, ski resorts, craft beer, maple syrup, delicious food, idyllic villages with red barns, dairy farms, (Ben and Jerry’s ice cream company headquarters are located in Vermont), and Champy, the mythical Lake Champlain water monster, Vermont is the only inland state in the whole New England region.

While beautiful all-year round, offering some of the most incredible autumn foliage, Vermont becomes a real North Pole during the winter. While all towns & villages are really majestic during the holidays, there is nothing like Woodstock at Christmastime. The quaint town has a small downtown area that boasts local shops, a historic general store, and cute eateries.

Also known as “the Green Mountain State,” Vermont is a real skier's heaven. With 7,300 acres of alpine terrain, Vermont is the home of 20 alpine ski resorts across the state, with some of the most well known: Killington, Manchester, Stowe, and Mount Snow.

During its annual Wassail Weekend, this quintessential place turns into a winter wonderland, dominated by sleigh bells, caroling and Christmas cheer. Horse-drawn carriages by locals in period dress transport visitors back in time during the Wassail Parade.

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If you plan to visit Woodstock for Christmastime, you must stay at the Woodstock Inn & Resort (also known as "Vermont's most beautiful address").

Set in the heart of Woodstock, VT, Woodstock Inn & Resort is your perfect accommodation for exploring this quaint community. But despite its prime location, the inn is still far enough removed from downtown to feel kind of secluded. The hotel invites you to wander along welcoming Main Street, browse restaurants and charming boutiques, and relish in an area rich in recreation and abundant in adventure in the surrounding Green Mountains.

Here, thoughtful authenticity blends

seamlessly with a classic resort experience to evoke a timeless elegance.

Expressed by individual character through extraordinary design, our guestrooms transform context and heritage into an exceptional experience. Touched by the legacy of Laurance Rockefeller, our guestrooms express his love of nature and historic preservation. With handmade furnishings by local gifted artisans, each guestroom exudes a feeling of comfort and a sense of place in Vermont.

The guest rooms feature elegant wooden furnishings, plus modern additions like Nespresso coffee makers, flat-screen TVs, plush robes and complimentary high-speed internet access.

Photo Courtesy of the Woodstock Inn & Resort

NEW HAMPSHIRE Known as “The Granite State,” New Hampshire is considered the rebel of New England. Home of many politicians, New Hampshire is a very important political stage in the primaries, standing by the motto, “Live Free or Die”. With hills and mountains, ponds and lakes and rivers everywhere, The Granite State looks like a postcard all year round. If you drive around for an hour, it seems like almost every home in New Hampshire has its own pond. Magnificent mountains & ski resorts (White Mountains and its highest peak in the Northeast, Mount Washington, are some of the most popular) invite lots of tourists to New Hampshire every year. The White Mountains are home to the Appalachian Mountain Club’s High Huts and the historical Omni Mount Washington Resort & Hotel.

While being a beautiful state all year round, (like all the other New England states), New Hampshire truly becomes a winter wonderland during Christmastime. You can hear the sound of the carolers and the sleigh rides everywhere. With the splendid backdrop of pitoresc mountains and hillsides covered in evergreen trees and snow, New Hampshire comes alive with Christmas events, parades, tree lightings, craft fairs and heartfelt traditions.

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There are lots of incredible towns in New Hampshire to visit during the Holidays, including Jackson, Canterbury, Conway, and Concord, where you can experience incredible Christmas events, horse-drawn sleigh rides and holiday railroad tours.

But nothing is quite like the coastal city of Portsmouth during the holidays. Portsmouth is famous for hosting New Hampshire’s Vintage Christmas, a whole month of holiday activities, including the famous Illuminated Holiday Parade and the Annual Gingerbread House Contest.

Portsmouth is the third-oldest city in the United States, settled in 1623, which gives a very rich history and culture to the place. The colonial, Victorian and Georgian architecture give Portsmouth an incredible charm in particular, making it one of the prettiest places in all of New England.

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MASSACHUSETTS Known as “The Bay State,” from the sandy beaches of Cape Cod, to the popular island communities on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, and skiing and beautiful autumn foliage in the western Berkshire Mountains, Massachusetts has it all. It is the most visited state in the region year round.

One of the original 13 colonies, (the second, to be precise), Massachusetts is incredibly rich in history and culture. Officially called a commonwealth, Cape Cod, Massachusetts is where the Pilgrims and Mayflower first put foot in America, which makes the Bay State so rich with America’s heritage.

Boston, the capital of Massachusetts, and Cambridge, are cultural hubs and home to top-notch universities, making Massachusetts the state with the highest number of most educated people in the country. Massachusetts was home of many previous presidents, (including John F. Kennedy and George HW Bush).

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It was also home to the first railroad in the United States (1826) and the first subway (1897). It was also the first state to legalize gay marriage. The list of firsts goes on and on. Like all the other beautiful New England states during the holidays, Massachusetts is another winter wonderland, offering a festive blend of laughs, caroling, and old fashioned New England traditions. No matter if you end up in Stockbridge, Newburyport, Nantucket, Edgartown, or even the big hub Boston, every single town has its own magic and traditions. Though Stockbridge is our favorite.

The town inspired Norman Rockwell to paint the famous “Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas,” and the community has been paying tribute for generations, recreating that image live, year after year with Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas, which includes activities like a weekend celebration of caroling, holiday house tours, horse-drawn carriage rides, a visit with Santa, and a Sunday afternoon re-creation of Rockwell’s painting.

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RHODE ISLAND Even though it’s the smallest state in New England, and in the entire nation, Rhode Island has as much to offer as its larger neighbour states all year round. Home to some of the best Universities in the country including Brown University, Rhode Island also has a large number of educated residents.

Known as “the Ocean State,” Rhode Island has about 400 miles of coast, satisfying even the most picky travelers and locals with its Colonial towns, wonderful restaurants and incredible summer coastal activities. But The Ocean State is not just a summer state, as its nickname might suggest. Rhode Island has four distinct seasons, the same as all its Northeastern neighbours, offering a lot with each season.

Christmas in Rhode Island is beyond magical, with festival markets, caroling and fabulous live performances that take the spirit of the season to a whole new level. Every town has its own traditions and charm, especially Newport and Providence, (the capital of Rhode Island).

You can kick off the season with the City Hall Tree Lighting in downtown Providence. Other spectacular events in Providence include Christmas at the Lippitt House, Winter Festival at the Carousel Village, A Christmas CarolTrinity Rep, and of course you can’t miss the timeless holiday story of The Nutcracker told by local talent.

Newport, the shining gem of New England, famous for being a top summer destination, offers a particular Christmas coastal charm.

Christmas at the Newport Mansions, running from mid-November through the new year, includes Santa Sundays and special performances of The Newport Nutcracker.

Christmas in Newport is a month-long celebration with concerts, caroling and craft fairs, plus the magical holiday lantern walking tours.

Photo credit: @adrian.globe.trekker

CONNECTICUT

The southernmost state in New England, Connecticut played a major role in the development of the federal government of the United States with its Fundamental Orders of Connecticut.

Written in 1639, it is considered the first written constitution, which gave the state the well deserved nickname “The Constitution State.”

Connecticut has a few other nicknames, including “The Provisions State,” “The Land of Steady Habits,” and even “The Nutmeg State.” Home of Yale, Connecticut is famous for its old money and big taxes, thin-crust New Haven pizza, and home of Mark Twain, to name just a few.

Located between Boston and New York City, Connecticut is an amazing destination all year round. From sailing, to hiking and skiing, there is so much to do in Connecticut, no matter when you plan to visit. However, winter has its magic, like all New England states, especially around the holidays.

I Many associate Christmas in the Nutmeg State with the classic 1945 movie, “Christmas in Connecticut,” and it makes sense why, as the reality is pretty close to the movie. Some of our favorite Christmas towns are Litchfield, Bethlehem, Essex, Mystic and Greenwich, but no matter what place you pick, you won’t go wrong.

Settled in 1721, the Colonial-era town of Litchfield nestles in an Arcadian landscape. The small-town vibe, with its snowy hills and covered bridges as a backdrop, and its quaint downtown shops beautifully decorated for Christmas, offer an experience you’ll never forget. Events like the Annual Christmas Festival Weekend and Candlelight Carol Sing in the Pilgrim Hall make Christmas in Litchfield as authentic as possible.

The live nativity features animals and people posing as the wise men, and Mary and Joseph.

Absolutely a one of a kind experience.

TRAVEL MAGAZINE

Bran Castle, Romania

Bran Castle is one of the most iconic Romanian landmarks, thanks in large part to the legend of Dracula. Irish novelist Bram Stoker based his fictional character, the bloodthirsty vampire Count Dracula, on the historical 15th-century prince, Vlad the Third of Wallachia, better known as Vlad the Impaler, (Vlad Tepes in Romanian), whose fondness for impaling his enemies on the battle ground earned him his nickname. Yet Stoker never put foot in Transylvania nor anywhere in Eastern Europe, much less Bran Castle.

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And most likely nor did Vlad (although some sources indicate that he was held prisoner there for a couple of months).

Located in the heart of Transylvania, in a small commune named Bran, 25 miles from beautiful Brasov city, between the peaks of the Mountains Bucegi and Piatra Craiului Mountains, the castle offers splendid views of the nearby hills, Moeciu Valley and Valea Bârsei.

The castle was built between 1377 and 1388, however, evidence dates back to the year 1212, showing the castle was constructed on the site of a Teutonic Knights stronghold with the purpose to establish the Teutons in the area and to defend the Southeastern border of Transylvania. The construction was completed in 1388 and it served a double role: as a fortress against the Ottoman Empire’s expansion, and as a customs house for Transylvani, (holding 3% of goods coming in and out of Transylvania).

Over the next 5 centuries the castle went through different stages and was inhabited by woodsmen, kings … it even belonged to Hungarian kings at some point, when King Vladislav II failed to pay his debts.

Fast forwarding towards modern times, in 1918 Transylvania became part of Greater Romania with Queen Maria of Romania, (the last queen consort of Romania and granddaughter of Queen Victoria), working hard to unify the country.

Therefore the town of Brasov gifted her the castle in 1920. She refurbished and decorated many of its 57 rooms, making the castle her royal residence. After her death, her daughter, Princess Ileana, ran the castle as a hospital during World War II. In 1948 the castle was seized by the Communist regime. In 1956, after the Romanian royal family had to leave the country, the Communist regime transformed the castle into a museum. In 2009 the building was given back to Princess Ileana legal heirs, namely Archduke Dominic, Archduchess Maria Magdalena, and Archduchess Elisabeth.

Currently, 4 floors of the castle operate as a museum, largely devoted to Queen Maria, hosting collections of weapons and armor, costumes and furniture. The castle is also a popular location hosting incredible Halloween events.

Check out the castle’s official website to learn more about it, and plan your visit as soon as you can when traveling is safe again.

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Neuschwanstein Castle

Looking like it was plucked straight from a fairy tale, Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the world’s most visited castles. Located in the southwest of Bavaria, 10 minutes away from the charming little town of Fussen, with the Bavarian Alps in the background, the castle is thought to have been a source of inspiration for Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom, the Sleeping Beauty’s Castle at Disneyland, and many other landmarks.

The castle was built for King Ludwig II of Bavaria (who was actually called the “fairytale king”). Following his loss of power after the Austro-Prussian war, he commissioned the construction of this castle as his own retreat from the real world, his imaginary kingdom. The castle was intended to "embody the true spirit of the medieval German castle," (King Ludwig II wrote in a letter to his friend, the world-renowned composer Richard Wagner). Fond of Wagner’s music, the castle was built in the composer’s honor, and many of its rooms were actually inspired by Wagner’s opera characters. The translation for Neuschwanstein is literally “New Swan Castle” and it refers to one of Wagner's characters, “the Swan Knight.”

The medieval 13th century Romanesque-style construction began in 1869, and it took more than two decades to finalize the project. It was supposed to be ready in three years, but the “fairytale king” wanted the castle to be over-the-top, so kept adding more and more requests. Dying in 1886, he never saw its creation completely finished. The Gateway Building, (where he stayed for short periods of time while visiting the upcoming castle), was finished in 1872, but the final towers were only completed in 1892 (6 years after his death). Evidence indicates the castle was planned to have at least 200 rooms…but only 14 rooms were finished before Ludiwg II’s death (And to this day, the castle still has 14 rooms). www.ldv-voyage.com

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Sadly, the “fairytale king” didn’t have the happy ending of a fairytale. In the final years of his life the German government declared him publicly insane. He was found dead in 1886 in Lake Starnberg, together with the corpse of his physician. He was only 40 years old when he suddenly passed away. His cause of death was never made clear. But in the end, we can all agree that the fairytale king has created a magical world. More than 1.5 million people per year visit the idyllic castle.

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When to visit Neuschwanstein Castle?

How to get there?

Avoid July and August if you can’t deal with long lines and huge crowds. Early fall and late spring months might be ideal to visit, when temperatures are mild. Fall is a great time to see not just the castle, but also the pretty autumn foliage covering the Bavarian Alps and the vicinities.

The castle is about two hours from Munich by car.

But you’ll need to park at the village of Hohenschwangau. Public transportation offers some pretty reliable options. You can take a train that leaves hourly from Munich's main train station, Munich Hauptbahnhof, and get off to Füssen. And from there just transfer to a local bus. Trains and buses are also available for visitors coming from Garmisch or from Innsbruck to Neuschwanstein.

The Neuschwanstein Castle looks most magical during the winter though, covered in snow, but that’s the most challenging times to visit, due to freezing temperatures and large amounts of snow.

Mary’s Bridge (Marienbrücke in German) is one of the best view points, but unfortunately is closed during the winter months.

Whenever you’re ready to plan your trip to Neuschwanstein Castle, just make sure you do your own research. There are thousands of articles you can read online, and tons of books and documentaries. Just make sure you include the castle’s official website in your research.

Traveling with a cat?

Read these very important tips from our Cat-Editor in Chief, BUBU THE CAT

How many times have you seen cats hanging out with their owners in public places? Not very often, right?

Well, there must be a reason why (or a million). Cats love their own territory, so getting them to travel with you can be harder than filming “Mission Impossible.” But some cats are extremely curious and outgoing, and they love exploring with their humans. Just keep in mind there are certain things to be done before you take your best friend with you on vacation. Let’s dive right in.

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If you’ve never traveled with your cat before, ask yourself “Do I really wanna do this?” Cats are territorial and like their routine, so it might be best to just leave them home with a family member, a friend, or a good neighbour. Your call. You know what’s best for your own pet.

But if you really can’t live a few days without your furry baby, then get ready for work before you pack your cat and go. Here are some very important tips directly from our Cat-Editor in Chief, BUBU THE CAT Yes, the gorgeous kitty in the picture is BUBU himself!

First of all, consult your vet about whether you should take your cat with you or not. Also discuss your trip in detail, like how many hours until you reach the destination, how long the whole trip will be, if it’s by air or by car, how the weather is where you’re going…Don’t neglect any detail. Everything matters, especially if you’ve never traveled with your cat before. (And even if you guys did travel together before and you know your furry pal loves it, you should still keep reading. This is for you too.

Maybe you’ll learn something new.)

So if the vet says it’s ok to take your pal away with you, then make sure you have all medical records and vaccinations requested by your destination, while also keeping in mind the method of transportation. Most airlines usually require a health certificate issued within 10 days before the departure. If your cat doesn’t have health insurance now it’s the best time to insure him. If you travel abroad, your cat most likely needs a valid pet passport, needs to be vaccinated against rabies, has a microchip, and possibly even more, depending on your destination. Do a thorough research!

If you plan to travel by air, I would highly recommend you do a lot of research on your own and see what airline carrier might work best for you. Also, it’s better to call before you book your flight. You need to be 1000000% sure they accept pets, and you have to let them know in advance that you are flying with a cat. Also specify you want to have your cat next to you, not in cargo. DO NOT HAVE YOUR CAT IN THE CARGO AREA!!! Ask them what kind of carrier you need, the size limit, medical requirements, fees, ask them everything you need to do in order to get your cat safely and quickly through the check-in lines. I can’t stress enough how important it is that you do your homework and know everything you need to do, so you can get through this phase as quickly as possible. This is the most stressful part for your cat if you travel by air, so do it right.

If you travel by car, it’s easier, but longer. If you choose to travel this way, then the size of your carrier doesn’t matter, therefore choose a larger carrier, big enough for your kitty to be able to move around and stretch. It might help if you let the carrier around your house a few days before the trip, so your kitty can explore it and get used to it. (In our case that doesn’t work because Bubu hates any carrier no matter what. Even though he loves to travel, the first part of the trip is a nightmare, especially the moment I have to get him inside the carrier). But it might work for you.

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When you book your accommodations, make sure they are CAT-FRIENDLY! Not just pet-friendly, but CAT-FRIENDLY! Believe it or not, most of the petfriendly hotels accept only dogs. I still can’t wrap my head around that, but no matter how much I explain to them that Bubu is a cat, so a pet, so why not bring him to their pet-friendly hotel, their answer is still something like: “Sorry, we are petfriendly, but we only accept dogs!” As dumb as that sounds, we just have to accept, move on, and look for CAT-FRIENDLY hotels.

I promise I’ll soon make a list of cat-friendly hotels for you guys to try when travel restrictions are over. Btw, when you book your accommodation, check also if there are any emergency vet locations in the area.

So remember to first do a thorough research on: if it’s ok to take your cat away with you check with your vet as well, and have all the medical records and vaccinations check with the airline carrier cat-friendly accomodations only!

Also, remember to get a harness, if you want your furry baby to join you on a hike. (Preferably, buy the harness at least a week before the trip, so you have time to practice and he can hopefully get used to it). You might wanna check out this article if you need help choosing the right harness.

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What to pack for your little pal? food: I would recommend getting food for the entire trip, especially if your cat eats a specific food type, or a certain brand. Don’t count on what you might find in the local stores its own bowl for water couple of small, easy to carry toys, to remind him of home a blanket; I would throw the blanket in the carrier, so your kitty feels warm and cozy while traveling.

Try to follow the same routine in the days prior to the trip. A day before your trip, pamper your baby a little more than usual. The day of the trip, act totally normal. And make sure you feed your cat about 3- 4 hours before the departure, that way the food has time to settle so your cat won’t get any discomfort.

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Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.

- Gustave Flaubert -

How to master a car traveling

Road trips are a lot of fun, especially if you like to pack half of your closet, (like some of us do-please don’t judge). But sometimes, your road trip can become a disaster if you haven’t kept in mind major details.

No matter how much you love driving, or how great the company and the scenery is, it can be challenging to stay comfortable for hours in your car.

We’ve put together a list of some of the best ways to make a car travel feel the most comfortable.

Fully Check your Car, Your Insurance & Roadside Assistance Membership Even if you take thorough care of your car, getting it serviced before a long road trip is a good idea. You don’t want to take a chance and find yourself waving your hand for help in the middle of nowhere. Get your car checked by a mechanic to be rest assured when you hit the road. Call your insurance and make sure your car is properly insured. If you don’t have a roadside service membership like AAA or Fix-A-Flat, then make sure you have a spare tire/tools to fix a tire in your trunk, jumper cables, a reflecting vest, etc.

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Cushion the Seats for Improved Comfort You need to cushion your seats to maintain a good posture and stay comfortable throughout the trip.

While you can do it with a soft cushion, we recommend investing in a quality contoured backrest to ensure you don't get back pain after a long drive. Equipping your car with a completely new seat cover may appear overkill, but you’ll notice the difference the moment you sit on. It can enhance your car’s comfort to a new level, allowing you to enjoy the road without worrying about any back pain.

A Clean Car is a Happy Car Even if you take thorough care of your car, getting it serviced before a long road trip is a good idea. You don’t want to take a chance and find yourself waving your hand for help in the middle of nowhere. Get your car checked by a mechanic to be rest assured when you hit the road.

Also call your insurance and make sure your car is properly insured.

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Have an Old School Paper Map

Long road trips with the sun shining at its brightest is not a combination you want to experience. Even if your airconditioning is functioning, bright light can hurt your eyes if you are not careful. While you can moderate heat, you need to get your car some shade.Tinted windows and reflective sunshades are our picks to help you drive comfortably, even with the sun right in front of you. Additionally, you can make frequent pit stops and park your car under shade to ease off the load on both you and the car.

Neck pillow Getting lost on the road might sound exciting, but in reality, you don’t wanna end up stranded in the middle of nowhere with no hope of help. Make sure to be fully prepared and bring some more navigational aids with you, in addition to your smartphone or a car GPS. Relying entirely on your phone can be dangerous sometimes. Imagine if the battery dies, or you’re in a remote area and lose signal. Your roadside service company can provide you free maps. You can also map your route on the computer prior to your trip and print that out, or buy a map for cheap at a travel agency.

Entertainment is the Essence of Road Trips If you are traveling solo, this one is a must for you. Solitude is nice sometimes, but a long road trip can soon turn it into terrible boredom. Even if you are with a group of people, you can only do so much talking. So make sure to install a decent sound system in your car before you hit the road. A bit of music or that audiobook you always wanted to listen to can provide you the desired dose of entertainment. Podcasts are another great way to pass the time.

First Aid Kit

If you plan to sleep in your car, take a pillow, a blanket, and an inflatable twin mattress (if you have a hatchback car). Just turn your backseat into a comfy bed instantly. Inflate the mattress on the backseat, put the pillow on top, lie down, cover up, and there you have a portable bed. Oh, and don’t forget an eye mask. We recommend one with cooling gel inserts, like this one.

WRAPPING UP Planning for a long trip may feel like a hassle, but small bits of preparations can help you enjoy your trip.

We hope these tips will help you on your next trip.

Other important things to remember while traveling by car: have a first aid kit, a memory foam neck pillow, an extra car phone charger, comfortable shoes & clothes.

Pull-over every two hours at least. And don’t forget water and some good snacks high in proteins. It’s very important to stay hydrated when driving for many hours.

Don't Forget your Tent

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... until next time

Living La Dolce Vita

LDV-VOYAGE

Travel & Lifestyle Magazine