These Americans made large investments in Italian property. Here are the rewards and the pitfalls

Sign up for Unlocking the World, CNN Travel’s weekly publication. Get information about locations, plus the newest in aviation, food and drinks, and the place to remain.

In our journey roundup this week: why British Chinese meals is baffling to Americans, the couple who purchased an Italian mansion sight unseen, plus who’s staying in North Korea’s luxurious motels.

Vito Andrea Racanelli’s ancestors migrated from Italy to America within the late 1800s. More than a century and a half later, he and his household determined to do it in reverse, selecting Tuscany as their house. Racanelli, a Denver-based legal professional, spent greater than $1 million on a sprawling farmhouse in Radicondoli.

“Buying real estate in Italy is completely different,” he tells CNN, suggesting that international patrons rent assist with navigating the method, fairly than attempting to deal with all of it on their very own. Read the complete story of the renovation for what else he discovered.

For CNN subscribers, we have now two extra tales of property-buying overseas.

Texas couple John Alan and Vicky Ambrose purchased the empty shell of a Piedmont mansion for 140,000 euros (round $160,000) with out even seeing it.

They then launched into a three-year renovation, spending an additional 150,000 euros to remodel the property right into a boutique luxurious condo with two panoramic balconies. Here’s what it appears like now.

Mussomeli, in Sicily, is legendary as one of many cities round Italy promoting off ruined properties for only one euro, or about $1.20. These bargain-basement properties are in want of an entire rebuild, however the venture additionally contains “premium” properties, which want fewer interventions, and are sometimes absolutely inhabitable, ranging from round $12,000.

Around 450 homes have now been bought within the city, reworking the group, the place the most well-liked properties with foreigners are these with hillside views. Here’s what locals, each established and new, say life is like there.

Here’s a reminder this Valentine’s Day that our hit sequence “Chance Encounters,” about extraordinary journey connections, is on the market in podcast type.

American Kerri Cunningham fell for Brit Dirk Stevens after they met as youngsters on summer season trip in Europe. They have been one another’s past love however lived on reverse sides of the Atlantic. Then nearly three a long time later, they unexpectedly reunited. Listen right here.

Mexico was the scene for yacht captain Bob Parsons and librarian Beverly Carriveau’s summer season romance that lasted via the a long time. A “thunderbolt” handed between them in Mazatlán in 1968, remembers Carriveau, and their lives have been by no means the identical once more. Hear it in her personal phrases.

Of course, it’s not simply lovers who go the space on Valentine’s Day. That bouquet of roses you ordered could have made an extended and chilly journey to your sweetheart’s door. Here’s where they’ve been.

For a long time, Somalia’s title has been shorthand for battle, piracy and hazard. Yet, towards the chances, the East African nation is now seeing a quiet rise in international vacationers. That’s regardless of most Western governments nonetheless advising towards all journey. Here’s what’s behind the surge in tourism.

Over in South Asia, Bangladesh has tigers, tea plantations and seashores, but it surely’s by no means been a mainstream vacationer vacation spot. Just 650,000 worldwide guests arrived in 2024. Here’s what the obstacles are which might be holding it again.

Finally, North Korea is busy constructing luxurious motels, crammed with top-class facilities resembling outside sizzling tubs and ski-in ski-out lodges – however state media exhibits few precise friends. With nearly no international vacationers allowed, who’s really staying in these fancy lodging? CNN’s Will Ripley breaks it down on this video.

In Angola, the whole lot tastes higher with funge

In Angola, the whole lot tastes higher with funge

2:05

Eating funge, a staple of Angolan delicacies, requires dexterity and a willingness to make use of your fingers. In this video, CNN’s Richard Quest tries his hand at funge for the very first time.

Are you a global traveler planning or reconsidering a visit to the United States?

We wish to hear from you.

She spent per week on a South Pacific island together with her finest good friend’s husband.

Their time there was “incredible.”

A prison investigation. A landmark trial. A stroll for peace.

What do you keep in mind from the week that was?

Why British Chinese meals is baffling to Americans.

Sweet and bitter hen balls are a UK delicacy.