The Via Francigena (fran-CHEE-jee-nah) is a pilgrimage route from the Middle Ages that starts in England and crosses France and Switzerland before entering Italy at the Gran San Bernardo Pass. Less known than the Spanish pilgrimage route, the Via Francigena was revived in the 1990s and is becoming more traversed each year. 

In 2009, after a divorce and a traumatic illness, I undertook a solo pilgrimage on the Via Francigena, inspired by a desire to purge emotional demons and achieve more of a heart-mind-body connection. 

Whether you're at home or traveling, it's important to exercise and stay fit. You'll sleep better, enjoy better health, and be able to get around while you're traveling. But you know all that, of course. And the elliptical or treadmill, while useful, isn't that much fun, especially in a hotel gym late at night. Let's discover some fun ways to get fit, around the world.

For some people, relaxation during a holiday is all about a leisurely walk, while for others, walking is more of a sport. Whether it is in a park, mall, or on a hiking path, walking is an activity that can be enjoyable in more ways than one. With this in mind, if you are looking for a place that can be visited for a walking holiday, below are some of the best options. 

Security screening at Madrid’s airport resulted in a two-hour layover and a missed connecting flight to Vigo.  When I finally arrived amid a spring deluge, my host was nowhere to be found.  A stone’s throw from the Atlantic, the airport was half empty.  The silence felt like a heavy cloak as I hurried to the baggage claim area.