Blog Posts by American Express Travel

Explore some of the historic shopping centers in Milan. (Photo: uncle.capung)The beautiful city of Milan continues to be one of Europe's fashion powerhouses and attracts fashion and style enthusiasts from around the globe. The city is a hotbed for inspiration, and many of the main streets in the city are lined with couture designer boutiques and independently owned fashion outlets. This is the city to find some style inspiration, attend fashion week events, or just spend an afternoon people-watching to make note of the high street style in any given season. Spend your days shopping and your nights indulging in some of Italy's finest restaurants, wine rooms, and lounges.

Use this guide to plan your fashion and style trip to Milan:

Where to Stay:

Stay close to Corso Buenos Aires, located just north of the city center, so you have easy access to the biggest shopping street. Corso Buenos Aires is one of the largest shopping districts in Europe and you'll find a variety of clothing stores and brand name retail shops here. This is also a popular shopping destination

The Duomo in Florence (Photo: Marcus Herdrich)Two weeks in Tuscany provides quite a few opportunities to break out of your comfort zone when it comes to eating, drinking, and sightseeing. Even with little knowledge of wines and fine Tuscan cuisine, you will find restaurants and experiences that cater to food and wine enthusiasts and boast the best of what Tuscany has to offer.

Where to Stay:

If you are able, spend at least several nights in Florence before relocating an hour or more away into the Tuscan countryside. Once you leave the city, you'll have more space, incredible views, and more of an opportunity to explore at your leisure.

Chianti is where you can focus on visiting wineries and sampling traditional cuisine. This region is recommended due to the number of nearby vineyards and its convenient location between Siena and Florence. Consider Gaiole, Montefienali, and Greve and their outlying areas.

What to See and Do:

Expect to go non-stop while you're in Florence. You won't want to miss David and the Uffizi Gallery and the

Visit Copenhagen's Strøget district for shopping opportunities. (Photo: Eoghan OLionnain)The multi-faceted city of Copenhagen offers plenty of style-scouting opportunities and is home to dozens of contemporary boutiques, upscale design houses, and even some high-end department stores. Style-lovers will also appreciate the city's overwhelming, distinct Scandinavian design presence. You'll discover several shopping areas that house some of the latest Scandinavian furniture and fashion designs and can find plenty of inspiration just by walking down the major streets in the heart of the city.

Use this guide to plan your style and design trip to Copenhagen:

Where to Stay:

Stay close to the Strøget district so you have easy access to the four major shopping streets in Copenhagen. Strøget links the east and west parts of Copenhagen and is a pedestrian-only area. You'll find plenty of boutique hotels and bed and breakfasts around this district.

Strædet runs parallel to Strøget and is another attractive district for settling in for the night. Stay in this area for easy access to

the day shopping at one of Rio's upscale shopping complexes. (Photo: Luiz Fernando / Sonia Maria)Rio de Janeiro is a bustling cosmopolitan city and a haven for fashionistas from around the globe. As the second-largest city in Brazil, Rio is the place to enjoy the famous carnival celebrations, explore some historic sites, and shop the exclusive boutiques, arcades, and larger shopping centers. Throughout the city's hot spots you will find vendors selling locally made items, as well as fine goods and jewelry stores offering authentic, high-quality collections each fashion season.  Rio is still a young fashion capital—you'll be inspired by the street style that abounds in this Brazilian city.

Use this guide to plan your fashion-and-style trip to Rio:

Where to Stay:

Stay in one of the luxury boutique hotels or bed and breakfasts in Ipanema and you'll have easy access to the most fashionable boutiques and shopping areas. Ipanema is home to several arcades and locally-owned designer boutiques, as well as some great cafes and eateries that cater to hungry shoppers with regional cuisine

Indulge in cheesecake and other gourmet eats during your food and wine trip to Chicago. (Photo: Jason Anfinsen)Chicago boasts a diverse dining scene and is home to dozens of world-renowned restaurants, gourmet eateries, and wine lounges. It's the idyllic destination for food tours, wine tastings, and dessert samplings. Celebrity-chef restaurants in the city even provide an opportunity to dine with the stars. Many upscale restaurants are located in five-star hotels in Chicago, but you'll also find some freestanding locales and wine bars within easy reach of Chicago's shopping and entertainment districts.

Use this guide to plan your food and wine trip to Chicago:

Where to Stay:

Stay in Lincoln Park for easy access to the shores of Lake Michigan and some of Chicago's most upscale boutique shops, gourmet restaurants, and entertainment venues. You'll find several modern hotels here; many offer pampering spa treatments and fitness services on site.

You'll find plenty of stylish and contemporary hotels in The Loop, a central location for travelers looking for easy access to some of Chicago's finest

Bondi Beach, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sydney, Australia. (Photo: hroylo)Sydney, as the largest city in Australia by population, offers almost limitless possibilities for visitors interested in arts and culture. From museums and galleries to theaters and shopping, you won't be bored during your Sydney vacation.

Where To Stay:

You can find hotels throughout the city of Sydney, but you'll want to stay in an area where you have easy access to the sights you wish to see. The central business district is a prime location for travelers interested in museums and architecture. Newton is also popular because of its close proximity to the university and because of the walkable nature of the neighborhood.

If you prefer a view of the water, Darling Harbour is a must for your short list. Some prefer Circular Quay because the neighborhood is close to the opera house, restaurants, and shopping opportunities. Woolloomooloo is another harbor-side neighborhood, featuring upscale hotels and restaurants, plus easy ferry access and the Old Fitzroy Theatre.

What To See and Do:

You will find no shortage of beautiful landscapes in Patagonia, Chile. (Photo: sxc.hu/Jobs)When you're in the mood for rest, relaxation, or even recuperation, Patagonia, Chile, is an ideal destination. Fly into Santiago, then rent a car or take a car service to Patagonia, a South American region known for beautiful vistas, calming landscapes, and stunning bodies of water.

Where To Stay:

Lodging options are plentiful in Patagonia, but many of the hotels, resorts, and lodges are hidden away in remote areas that are impossible to find without a map. It is important to work with a travel insider prior to your vacation. Look for the amenities you most desire as well as the locations in which you intend to spend most of your time.

National parks, such as Alerce Andino and Torres del Paine, are popular destinations because lodging here is convenient to daily activities. If you plant to spend your days with a fishing pole in hand, or hiking through the gorgeous Patagonian wilderness, these hotels and resorts should be top on your list.

Or, if water calms your spirit, consider

Bali beaches are perfect for rest and relaxation. (Photo: sxc.hu/fleka79)Sometimes an exotic vacation in a far-flung corner of the world is the perfect antidote to the stress and chaos of daily life. Bali, an Indonesian island known for beautiful scenery and a relaxed pace, might provide just the rest and relaxation you need.

Where to Stay:

Seminyak is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Bali. There are several resorts in this neighborhood that provide a relaxing retreat away from the bustling urban atmosphere outside. Enjoy a day being pampered at a spa before a night out exploring the area.

Balian is another option for visitors who want to get away from the activity in more central areas of Bali. This neighborhood is less populated, and therefore quieter and more conducive to reflection and relaxation. This is also a great place for travelers who love the water and want to try their hands at surfing.

In addition to the neighborhood or area of Bali in which you will be staying, pay attention to what accommodations your hotel will offer. Resorts and