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Celebrity Travel: Go Away With Sarah Piampiano

By Jae-Ha Kim, Tribune Content Agency on

As a child, Sarah Piampiano dreamed of being an Olympian. But, as an adult, she figured her life as an investment banker would prevent her from becoming a full-time athlete. Five years ago, she made a lifestyle switch, quitting her job, moving to the West Coast and devoting all her time and energy into becoming a pro triathlete. Piampiano, 34, says that switching from finance to the world of elite athletes hasn't been the easiest transition, but one for which she has a passion. She resides in Sausalito, California. To keep updated on her racing schedule, you may follow her on Twitter at https://twitter.com/SarahPiampiano.

Q. What is your favorite vacation destination?

A. I have two: Tuscany, Italy -- specifically San Gimignano -- and Brazil.

Q. To someone who was going there for the first time, what would you recommend that they do during their visit?

A. I knew Tuscany would be amazing when I went, but it blew my mind in every way possible. Dinner in tiny restaurants on cobblestoned side streets, exploring little alleys in medieval villages, wine-tasting, walks in the vineyards and moonlight swims. In Brazil, one of my favorite parts of the trip was going to the northeastern part of the country to some of the beach towns. We visited Pipa, which has a really relaxed environment. We rented a 50-foot sailboat with a crew for only $35 per person one day and were given the royal treatment -- amazing food, swimming on a private beach, drinks, music. ... It was amazing!

Q. Have you traveled to a place that stood out so much that you felt compelled to incorporate it into your work?

 

A. Last year I raced in Austria, and then took a vacation in Austria and Italy afterward. It had been a few years since I was last in Europe and I was reminded of how amazing a continent it is! I loved every minute of that experience and have made it a point to spend some of my competition season in Europe every year.

Q. Where is the most romantic destination?

A. Tuscany is a pretty darn romantic place to go. Another place is Edinburgh, Scotland, (which is) one of my favorite cities of all time and surprisingly romantic!

Q. Besides Edinburgh, what are your five favorite cities?

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