Around the globe, the New Year is welcomed with many varied traditions. Here are a few - which international custom will you adopt?

In Spain it’s customary to eat 12 grapes, one at each stroke of the midnight bell. It’s believed that each grape represents a month of luck in the new year. People gather in city plazas to eat grapes and drink Cava (Spanish sparkling wine).

The Danes smash plates against doors as the new year begins; it’s believed that doing so banishes bad spirits for another year.
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In Panama, effigies called munecas are burned during New Year’s Eve celebrations; the burning figures represent the year past and are meant to prevent evil spirits from appearing in the new year.

Now that you have your shiny brand-new passport, and have booked your dream getaway with your favorite travel advisor, let’s talk about TSA (they have to do their job people, be nice!), and the rules you need to follow to get through airport security.  I’m sure most of you already know them, but on the off chance you’re a new traveler, or aren’t ever quite sure what you can and can’t bring on your carry-on, read on!
 
TSA (Transportation Security Administration) is a division of the Department of Homeland Security.  They are responsible for handling traveler screening of all passengers.  You’ll make their job easier if you have your passport and boarding pass ready when you arrive at the airport security screen line.  
 
In the United States, you can bring 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item into the airplane on most airlines.  Discount airlines do have stricter rules.  Also, make sure your luggage is the correct size and fits in the allotted space.  Be sure to check with your airline for correct information. 

One of the best investments you’ll ever make, in my opinion, is applying for your passport.  Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.  It opens up the world to you, offering you an endless supply of new destinations, experiences and opportunities you wouldn’t otherwise have.  Imagine having a wonderful but unexpected opportunity to travel someplace you’ve ALWAYS wanted to go, but you can’t, because you don’t have your passport.  How disappointing!  Don’t let that happen to you!

Italy is, by far, the European Country requested the most by my clients….in fact, over 46 million tourists visit this amazing country every year. They come from all over the world, for many different reasons, and many will return again and again for that magic that only Italy can deliver. Italians are very kind, outgoing, family-centric and extremely patient (unless they are driving!). The Italians realize how blessed they are to be the safe keepers of some of history’s most magnificent relics and art treasures and they are happy to share them. However, there are a few things that most Italians want Americans to know before we arrive in their country. Here is Sybarite Travel’s list of the Top 10 ways to blend right in to Italian Culture: