April 25, 2011

DJI knows that food is a large part of the travelling experience, as well as a necessity. It's never fun to wander around on an empty stomach looking for a good place to eat. But when you have allergy restrictions, food can be a very difficult part of travelling, and can even become a hindrance that discourages you from taking a trip at all. DJI can ease the stress of your food-related vacation worries, leaving you free to enjoy all the sites you travelled to see.

Italy, known for its pizza and pasta, might not seem like the best of places to visit when restricted to a gluten-free diet. However, virtually everybody in Italy knows about Celiac Disease, so if you remember the words "Io Sono Celiaco" or "Senza Glutine" when in a store or restaurant, your eating adventures should proceed smoothly. Numerous restaurants offer gluten-free pizza, pasta, and bread.

pizza picture.jpg

From fotopedia.com


When booking your DJI custom program, be sure to let your DJI expert consultant know about any food allergies and special diets, for that matter any special requests. As part of your final documents, DJI will be sure to include travelling tips and restaurant recommendations specific to your needs and interests.

Travelling to Italy and having to eat gluten and dairy free?

Because Celiac Disease is so common in Italy, all children are screened for the disease by age 6, so that even asymptomatic disease is caught early. Additionally, Italians of any age are tested for the disease as soon as they show their symptoms. As a result, the time between symptoms and diagnosis is usually 2-3 weeks, as opposed to an average of ten years in the United States.

If visiting Tuscany, for example, Tuscan cooking today is characterized by simple food, not covered in heavy sauces. For example, butter is mostly used as a condiment at the table, rather than in cooking, which is helpful for those who must avoid dairy.

You should also note that, unlike in the United States, Coke is not gluten-free in Italy, due to the use of a different caramel color. That's just all the more reason to enjoy the delicious wines!

Call DJI today to begin planning your dream Italian vacation, and don't give your food restrictions another thought!

December 15, 2010

Gathering with family and friends for the holidays? Escape from the cold and head to North Africa. Our choice? Morocco or Egypt.

For those seeking exoticism and luxury, head to Morocco. Explore the magic of the imperial cities, such as Fes and Marrakech, as well as deserts, mountains, souks, and Berber villages - perhaps on the back of a camel! Stay in palatial five star hotels, boutique riads, and romantic mountain retreats.

For the true history enthusiast, a trip to Egypt is like no other. The sheer size of the temples and pyramids built over 3,000 years ago is truly perplexing and mesmerizing, as are the stories that surround them. Even the most jaded of travellers can't help but be impressed. Most importantly, our hand picked egyptologists bring it all together for you.

At more affordable prices than popular European destinations, North Africa is the perfect alternative to cure the winter blues.

Moroccan desert 2.jpg
From www.flickr.com

December 8, 2010

Upon landing in Barcelona, was surprised to see the weather was colder than usual. Last year when we were there, the weather was more temperate - but I guess weather is changing all around the world. We checked out several hotels and were excited to see that the El Palace was reopened after a complete overhaul. We like this hotel. It is in a great location and is a great combination of new and old. A DJI recommendation!

Took the high speed train to Madrid, which is a great way to travel between the two cities. We ate very well, and were pleasantly surprised by the changes in Madrid - loads of history, and a great base to explore the surrounding area as it's the hub for the trains. In addition to the fabulous sites, overall it was a great feast of culture, food, and wine.

Food.jpg
From commons.wikimedia.org



November 8, 2010


We have recently returned from Costa Rica - what a wonderful destination during the long winter months! We were especially surprised to find that it provides the perfect setting and activities for family adventure. Set in a biodiversity hot spot, Costa Rica has a diverse terrain to match its ecosystem. From the rain forests to the cloud forests, river rapids to volcanoes, there are plenty of sights to see and adventures to be had. And, of course, beautiful beaches for relaxing - or surfing!

Costa Rica rainforest.jpg
From www.flickr.com

Costa Rica's environmental treasure needs to be protected, and DJI is a proponent for sustainable tourism, also referred to as responsible travel. That said, travel with DJI to Costa Rica offers a wonderful experience as well as providing a deeper appreciation for the wonders of nature. We found that Costa Rica is not an easily navigable country, so we don't recommend driving a car - or spending a lot of time in San Jose!

Accomodations in Costa Rica are not as deluxe as you may experience in European destinations, but they still add a special authenticity to the experience. DJI can also enrich your vacation with the comforts of a personal driver and a guide who can give you a taste of Costa Rican culture - and coffee on a private plantation tour or lunch with a local family.

Did you know? Costa Rica...

  • is roughly the size of West Virginia
  • is the only country that does not have an army
  • has more than 121 volcanic formations, seven of which are active
  • has 52 species of Hummingbirds
  • produces about 1.5 million bags of coffee (each 132 pounds) each year - that's 198 million pounds!

One more thought... Limited on time? Costa Rica is perfect for a quick getaway.

Contact your travel agent or DJI to plan your own Costa Rican adventure!

October 9, 2010

From picking the ideal destination to the necessary travel insurance, you will be able to explore the infinite possibilities which will let the world fit in the palm of your hand. Given the endless travel information available on the web today, coupled with the ever-changing industry, you can use the DJI blog as a tool to gather professional opinions about the latest happenings in old destinations, feedback on recent visits, and the hottest new places for DJI.

Our new destination, "Costa Rica"- coming soon!

 

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