• Italy

    13 Things to Know About Lake Como Before You Go

    Lake Como is like something out of a dream, and visiting Lake Como is a perfect stop on any Italian adventure. The glassy lake water is surrounding by towering hills of rock, with perfect towns nestled in around it. The food, like everywhere in Italy, is to die for. The coffee is hot, and the gelato is wonderful. 1. Lake Como is BIG. This is something you really should know before you go. It seems like it’s a small lake, but it’s actually quite large. There are a number of towns around the lake, and there is not a train that goes all the way around it. There are also…

  • France,  General Travel,  Greece,  Hungary,  Italy,  Romania,  Tips and Tricks,  United Kingdom

    Visiting Europe In the Summer: What You Need to Know

    School’s out, the sun’s out – it’s summer! You finally have a few weeks to take the dream vacation to Europe. Before you go, make sure you’re prepared for what to expect from summer in Europe. 1. Air Conditioning Is Not Used As Much As in the US Europeans, in general, are much more tolerant of the heat than in the US. If you must have air conditioning, make sure to double check that your hotel offers it – and definitely check if you’re using AirBnB. For places that have AC, know that it won’t be turned down quite as much as it would in the US. I heard many…

  • Italy,  Tips and Tricks

    12 Tips for Taking a Budget Trip to Italy

    Staying on a budget in Italy can be daunting, and it can feel impossible to take a budget trip to Italy. It’s an incredible country with so much to see and do, and all of it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. But, it’s possible to adhere to your budget and see some of the most amazing things in the world. (Not to mention eating some of the best food in the world!) 1. Do Extensive Research Yes, it’s an old tip but it’s a good one. Make sure that your research includes as much as it can about where you’re going. Be prepared for the costs you’re likely to encounter. For instance,…

  • Italy

    How to Plan A Trip to Italy On a Budget

    Italy is a dream destination for many, but it’s an expensive one as well! With the Euro being strong against the US dollar, and many things being generally expensive, planning a budget trip to Italy can be a challenge. While it’s a challenge, it’s totally do-able! Finding Cheap Flights to Italy Especially for Americans, flights are one of the most expensive parts of the trip. It can be hard to find good budget flights, but one of the keys is to be open to where you arrive and depart from. Using Kiwi.com or Skyscanner.com can yield great deals. You should absolutely be setting up alerts to find the best deals.…

  • Italy

    What to Know About Trains in Italy

    Booking trains in Italy can feel confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. Italy has an incredible rail system that makes it easy to get around the country and to neighboring countries. There are many different types of trains throughout the country, and a few different ways to book. Should You Take the Train in Italy? First things first, contemplate what works best for you in your vacation plans. But the short answer is, “Yes! You should be taking trains throughout Italy.” Because of Europe’s low-cost carriers, you’ll find that airfare can be the same price as a train ticket. However, your air travel cost is ultimately higher than a…

  • Books,  Italy

    Books to Read Before You Visit Florence, Italy

    Florence is one of the most unique and incredible cities in the world – and it’s also one of the most storied. One of the best ways to get ready for your vacation and immerse yourself in it while you’re there is by reading books set in that location. I love the history books that make the ancient city come alive, or the retrospectives that will explore how the Medici ruled the city, or even just the history books. All parts of Florence are alive with art, beauty and history. A Room With a View As a tourist, what I love about this book is that it’s the story of…

  • Italy

    11 Tips for Visiting Florence, Italy

    Florence, Italy is one of the truly remarkable gems in this world, and visiting Florence is truly a joy. The birthplace of the Renaissance, it has a large amount of artwork, architecture and culture that make it a must-visit when in Italy. It’s ideally placed in the center of the country, so it’s easy to get in and out of. And as with everywhere in Italy – the food is simply divine. Because Florence is a must-see, it’s also incredibly busy. Be prepared for your trip with these simple tips! 1. Book your personal must-sees ahead of time. If you want to go to the Uffizi, see David at the…

  • Italy

    Mistakes to Avoid When Visiting the Amalfi Coast

    When you’re visiting the Amalfi Coast, you’re in for a once-in-a-lifetime vacation. From the picturesque villages cascading into the sea to the incredible food, it’s a place unlike any other. Because of it’s reputation as an incredible vacation spot, there are mistakes tourists make. Be prepared and avoid making these mistakes so you can have the time of your life! Mistake #1: Renting A Car The train + bus from Naples/Sorrento seems long; hiring a driver is crazy expensive – so you decide to just go with it and rent a car. This is a bad idea! The roads are windy and narrow and there is virtually no parking. Mistake…

  • Books,  Italy

    Books Set In the Amalfi Coast, Capri, & Naples

    I love when I can read books set wherever I’m visiting, and there are many awesome books about the Amalfi Coast, Naples, and Capri! Books Set in the Amalfi Coast, Capri, and Sorrento The Night Villa This fascinating and suspenseful book is set both in ancient Pompeii and modern Capri. It’s the perfect read to feel deeply involved in the history of Pompeii, and to feel the romance of Capri. This is also an excellent beach or airplane book! Stones of the Madonna Set in Positano, this tells the story of two Americans who are – you guessed it – escaping from their past. Reasonably predictable, this book is no…

  • Italy

    12 Tips For Visiting the Amalfi Coast

    The Amalfi Coast is an absolutely breathtaking sight. The villages seem to just cling to cliffs, with perfectly colored houses going all the way down into the water. It’s an otherworldly sight – but one you should be prepared for! 1. Be Prepared for Crowds This is one theme you’ll find for a few of the tips on this list. Because of the Amalfi Coast’s beauty, there are many people who want to go see it. The villages were built before large roads and tourist infrastructure became a thing. Thus, it is crowded! 2. Consider Taking Motion Sickness Medicine This is especially true if you’re taking the bus from Sorrento…