If you are craving a slice of La Dolce Vita without the summer crowds Italy is calling your name. Trust me, you won't want to miss out on its off-peak charm. Join me as I uncover the hidden gems, cultural delights, and family-friendly fun that make Italy shine during the shoulder and low seasons.

The small city of Playa del Carmen on Mexico's Yucatan coast is the geographic and cultural center of the Riviera Maya, one of Mexico's fastest-growing destinations. It is enjoyable for what it is, but perhaps more for what it's not.