Celebrity Travel: Go Away With Dianne Hales
Dianne Hales is the author of "Mona Lisa: A Life Discovered" (Simon and Schuster, $28). An avid traveler, she says, "If you were to offer me a ticket almost anywhere, but I had to leave in an hour, I wouldn't hesitate. There's nothing I need that can't be bought somewhere." The bestselling writer resides in Bodega Bay, California, which gives her easy access to lovely getaways to Wine Country. "It's the setting for Hitchcock's 'The Birds' -- on the coast about an hour north of San Francisco," she says. "I'm told there's no place windier or foggier or, in my opinion, more beautiful." Fans may follow Hales on Twitter at https://twitter.com/dmhales.
Q. What is your favorite vacation destination?
A. Italy. Regardless of where else we wander, I always want to return to the Mediterranean's wonderful old boot.
Q. To someone who was going there for the first time, what would you recommend that they do during their visit?
A. Slow down. Go to half of the places on your must-see list. The joy of Italy is the living, the savoring of meals and wine and sunshine and strolls at the end of the day. And learn at least a little Italian. Combined with a smile and lots of gestures, it will open doors -- and hearts.
Q. What untapped destination should people know about?
A. I love the western coast of Tuscany, the Maremma, where you live by the rhythms of the sea. Just don't go in August when Italians descend in droves from the cities.
Q. What was the first trip you took as a child?
A. I grew up in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and we didn't really travel, except to Asbury Park on the Jersey Shore. That's where I must have picked up my love for the ocean. Sometimes we ventured into Philadelphia and, even more thrilling, New York City. That made me realize that there was a big, wide, wonderful world outside of Scranton and I couldn't wait to get there.
Q. What's the most important thing you've learned from your travels?
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