Terence and I have been dreaming about doing a grand tour of sorts for a few years – since way back when we wrote the Grantourismo blog for Charles and Marie. We started to seriously develop the idea of a reincarnation of Grantourismo about a year ago, but we hadn’t yet begun to think about how to fund it.
Our original plan was to stay in one destination for a month at a time, and to really try to get beneath the skin of the place, to get to know the locals, learn as much of the language as we could, to learn some things unique or special to the place, and to write a book about the project. We were over the moon when we discovered that HomeAway Holiday Rentals had a similar marketing exercise in mind, their idea being to send a couple of travel writers around the world to explore a more enriching and authentic way of travel that was possible through holiday home stays, rather than hotels. It was a godsend that they believed our project would fit, and we were happy to compromise a little (two destinations a month instead of one) to be able to make it work together. I’ll tell you a little bit more about Grantourismo in coming posts.
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12 comments
Sandy O'Sullivan says:
February 7, 2010 at 10:35 AM (UTC 11 )
Hi Lara,
Fantastic. More importantly (sorry to make this sound like an advert) the site that is sponsoring you is brilliant. It's solved a few problems for me with finding somewhere to stay in London for a month in August!
Can't wait to hear more about it as you take off on your travels.
Sandy
Lara Dunston says:
February 10, 2010 at 11:02 AM (UTC 11 )
Hi Sandy
Nice to hear from you! We think it's pretty fantastic too!
We've used HomeAway a lot over the years which is why we were so thrilled to work with them on this!
Do come and visit the blog @ http://www.grantourismotravels.com/
and join our little community.
Hope you're well!
Lara x
Erica says:
February 11, 2010 at 7:07 PM (UTC 11 )
I really enjoyed your old grantourismo blog. Glad to hear you could finally realize your dream of doing a grand tour around the world!
Anonymous says:
February 12, 2010 at 5:59 AM (UTC 11 )
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Susan says:
February 18, 2010 at 8:10 AM (UTC 11 )
I’ve been waiting to read this! You know what I love about this, almost as much as how beautifully well-written it is? You just goes to show you don’t have to go halfway round the world to have a fun travel adventure. You just have to have the right attitude.
Anonymous says:
February 20, 2010 at 7:16 AM (UTC 11 )
Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now. Keep it up!
And according to this article, I totally agree with your opinion, but only this time!
Jem says:
February 23, 2010 at 1:51 AM (UTC 11 )
that sounds like a fantastic way to travel! love your blog aswell…
Felicia S. says:
March 2, 2010 at 6:02 PM (UTC 11 )
You're such an inspiration to me.
I'm getting closer and closer to my goals and your work is definitely motivating me.
Thank you
Felicia, This Time Now
Black Tomato says:
March 4, 2010 at 8:29 PM (UTC 11 )
sounds like an awesome thing you're doing!
Jamie says:
March 12, 2010 at 6:27 AM (UTC 11 )
What an amazing opportunity….for you guys, and for HomeAway! I've wanted to try them out, so I can't to wait to see how your experiences are.
Good luck, and I'll be following with you!
FindYourWay group says:
March 26, 2010 at 3:46 PM (UTC 11 )
I so do envy you, guys! Hope you are having great time. Travelling around the world is what I do too, but I can only taste it in small pieces
Lots of love to you
from
Julitte x
virginia bed and breakfast says:
April 29, 2010 at 2:08 PM (UTC 11 )
All the places are very pretty and adorable,one can wander in these beautiful destinations and get himself lost in its utmost and scenic beauty, which do attracts everyone when visit these marvelous destinations.