Italian Beaches that have a blue flag flying are safe for you to enjoy. The Mediterranean Sea is beautiful, that beauty at times can be deceptive. Just because a beach looks clean and the water is the blue-green that is unique to the Mediterranean does not mean the swimming is safe for you and your family. Like many of the world's beaches some of Italy's beaches are sadly, polluted and dirty.

Europe, South Africa, Morocco, New Zealand, Canada and the Caribbean have all implemented the blue flag system over the past few years. The Blue Flag Program is owned and run by the independent non-profit organization - Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)

The Blue Flag program works to promote sustainable development at beaches and marinas by using strict criteria for water quality, environment management, safety and other services.

It is hard to find a bad meal in Italy. In a country where eating is an art form it pays to take a minute and learn about the different types of restaurants you will find on your next trip.

•Autogrill (OWtogreel) - These are the markets and restaurants that are found in the rest areas off the expressways. Don't be fooled, I have bought some of my best meals in the Autogrill's. The larger Autogrill's have food that you can buy to take on a picnic.

•Bar (bar) - Bars are on every street corner in Italy. Coffee and a wide variety of other drinks are served in bars. In most bars you go to the cashier first and place your order, then you take your ticket to the counter and order what you paid for.

•Caffè (kaffEH) - A caffè is a coffee shop that may offer breakfast or a panini but generally does not serve much food.

•Osteria (ostayREEa) - These are small restaurants that offer simple fare. Check the menu first though, simple does not always mean inexpensive.