I have had a most extraordinary career in travel, spanning more than 40 years! In 1978 I founded JDB Fine Hotels & Resorts, a hotel sales, marketing and reservations company that I managed for over 38 years until a new owner took over in 2014. You may have seen JDB’s golden plaques displayed at the many hotels we represented throughout Italy and other European countries.
During that period my knowledge of the destinations where we had operations grew enormously. I traveled extensively, seeking hotels not only in major tourist cities but in less familiar locations. What sparked my curiosity were the little known places, be it a town or a restaurant or an artisan’s shop, many of which I have "put on the map." When it came to Italy, JDB soon became known as the travel agent's expert!
In creating this blog/website, I want to share my knowledge with travelers new to Italy as well as those who may have traveled to key areas but never explored the smaller, charming places that give one a more realistic feel for a country and its people. To me, travel is one of the most broadening experiences we can have in life. It is an opportunity to learn about different cultures and to open our minds to new ways of doing things on a daily basis.
There is a real demand to have tourism information for Italy easily located in one place. While this is the beginning, I fully expect the blog to grow and flourish as more and more information is channeled our way.
Judith Davis Baer
