Hello friends,

I’ve been soaking up the last days of summer — quite literally — with a very muddy experience in an ancient spa town near Venice. It's a surprisingly affordable wellness escape if you're thinking of a pre-winter recharge.

And before I head off to Mexico for Día de Muertos, I'm also sharing an atmospheric coffee town in Oaxaca for International Coffee Day (October 1st) and some excellent last-minute shoulder season deals.

Plus, a few seasonal recipes from around the world to enjoy:

🍂 Creamy Pumpkin and White Bean Soup – Ready in under 30 minutes, this low-fat version of a classic gets its creamy texture from white beans rather than heavy cream.

🌴 Curaçao Arepa di Pampuna – We loved these savoury-sweet pumpkin pancakes when we were in Curaçao. Try them as a snack or breakfast!

🍎 Apple Cider Mojito – Celebrate the harvest with this cocktail featuring spiced rum, pure apple cider, sparkling water and aromatic mint. It’s a taste of fall with a tropical twist!

Let’s dive in!

Michele of A Taste for Travel

Travel Tips and Planning

An Ancient Spa Town in Italy

Who says you need a celebrity budget for an authentic Italian spa escape?

In Abano Terme near Venice, thermal pools, centuries-old mud therapy and a relaxing hotel deliver a wellness boost without any five-star fuss.

Discover Abano Terme

Get a wellness boost in Italy this fall.

Timely Travel

Celebrate Coffee Culture in Oaxaca, Mexico

Coffee is one of the best ways to experience a destination’s culture.

Discover Pluma Hidalgo, a misty mountain town near Huatulco with a rich coffee-growing heritage.

Discover Pluma Hidalgo

Global Tasting Table

Creamy Pumpkin and White Bean Soup

This creamy Pumpkin White Bean Soup delivers all the flavours of fall without the heavy cream.

Made in just over 30 minutes with pumpkin, white beans and warming spices, it’s a nourishing, high-fibre soup that’s perfect for chilly autumn days.

Get the Recipe

Beach & Foodie Buzz

Mexico City's happening cocktail scene. (Credit: Licorería Limantour)

Notable news, updates, and happenings

🍸 Best Bars List 2026 Mexico City is having a serious cocktail moment, with several bars landing on the World’s 50 Best Bars list, including Licorería Limantour, where the legendary Margarita al Pastor (yes, inspired by the taco) is still a must-order. Explore more of Roma Norte.
🍽️ Our friends at Eating Europe are celebrating! Ten of their food tours were named on TripAdvisor’s 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards! Plan a fall foodie adventure and save 15% on select Eating Europe Food Tours with code HOTSTUFF15 through October 31st.
🚆 Act Fast and Save up to 50% on European rail passes
Rail Europe is offering up to 50% off select Interrail Passes until 10:00 CEST on September 30 making it a great time to plan a multi-country rail journey across up to 33 European countries.
💀 Day of the Dead in Huatulco, Mexico. Plan now to participate in Dia de Muertos in the historic town of Santa Maria Huatulco, Oaxaca. Email contacto@treasuresofhuatulco.com