• Italy

    Perfect Day Trips Around Naples

    Naples is the perfect Italian base for sun, food, and all sorts of Italian adventures. In fact, it’s one of the best places in Italy for day trips! You can easily see must-sees in Naples, and intertwine those with days in the surrounding areas. It can be the day trips to the surrounding areas that really make Naples shine – there are so many things to see and do! The Italian Riviera and Islands Around Naples If you’re in the mood for perfect Italian sun and sunbathing on the beaches, the towns around Naples are some of the best in the country (and the world!). Sorrento Sorrento is one of…

  • Italy

    Five Things You Must Do in Naples

    When you’re looking for what to do in Naples, be prepared – it’s the kind of place you could easily spend 2 weeks and never see anywhere else in Italy! From the Amalfi Coast to Procida, Capri, Pompeii, Ischia, and so much more, Naples is a playground for anyone and everyone. It’s an easy train ride away from Rome, so getting in and out of the city is a breeze. If you’re looking for some major sightseeing, Naples is also a great place to base yourself to see many of the islands. What to Do In Naples Itself 1. Eat Everything Yes, food is coming first on this list. Naples…

  • Italy,  Packing and Gear

    What to Pack for Italy

    Packing for an Italian vacation is not easy – given the variety of things to do in Italy and places to see, you need to be ready for just about anything. From the sun and fun of the Italian Riviera to the crowds of Venice and Rome, an Italian vacation is always a whirlwind. So, what are the best things to make sure you have in your bag? Essentials to Pack for Italy 1. Sunscreen You might think you’ll be heading to museums all day, but you’ll be in the sun more than you think. Especially in the summer, the sun can beat down throughout Italy. Sunscreen is also a…

  • Italy

    Things to Know About Italy Before You Go

    Italy is a dream vacation for many people – the wine, the food, the art, the culture – it all combines for an incredible experience. To best prepare for your trip to Italy, here are some things you should know before you go. If you’re looking for another fun way to get ready for a trip to Italy, check out awesome books set in Italy. 1. Italian cuisine is incredibly regional. From the US, it’s easy to think of “Italian” food as pasta and pizza and all sorts of other fun. In reality, Italian cuisine varies greatly from one area to another. In Bari, charcuterie, cheese and seafood rule the…

  • Italy

    How to Choose Which Neighborhood to Stay in in Rome

    Rome is a giant city, and your decision about where to stay will have a huge impact on your enjoyment of everything there is to see and do there. There are a few major districts in Rome, each with their own character. While you’re in Rome, make sure you check off the Rome Bucket List! Staying in Rome’s Modern Center The “modern center” of Rome is defined by Roma Termini, the main train station. The Modern Center is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and hotels – it’s a great place to stay, especially if it’s your first visit to Rome. It’s convenient to many of the attractions, and it’s convenient to…

  • Italy

    Rome Bucket List: 10 Things You Must Do in the Eternal City

    Rome is a sprawling metropolis with enough to see and do to keep you busy for months. From ancient history to modern treasures, here are ten things you must do when you visit Rome. 1. The Colosseum The Colosseum is one of the few things that you can’t go to Rome and NOT see. It’s worth seeing up close and admiring the architecture of the ancient Romans. 2. The Vatican Scavi Tour Yes, technically The Vatican is its own country, but it’s still contained within Rome. The Vatican Scavi Tour takes you deep underneath St Peter’s Basilica through the necropolis and to the bones of St Peter. It’s a different…

  • Italy

    The Colosseum: The 8 Wonders of the World (Part 4)

    The Colosseum is one of the easiest of the 8 Wonders of the World to get to. Just because it’s easier than the others doesn’t mean it’s not worth seeing! Located in the heart of Rome, the Colosseum is a monument to the Roman Empire’s architectural skill – and, at some level, their brutality. General Info About the Colosseum Location: Rome, Italy Nearest Major Airport: Leonardo da Vinci – Fiumicino International Airport (FCO) Overall Difficulty to Visit (ranked among wonders, 1 is the most difficult, 8 is the least difficult): 8 Why That Difficulty Rating? Rome is a major city, with lots of public transportation (incredibly crowded transportation, but it’s…

  • India

    Where to Stay in Jaipur, India

    Jaipur is India’s Pink City, and is the third city in the “Golden Triangle.” It’s a must-see city for anyone heading to India, and worth at least a few days of visiting. Jaipur is somewhat spread out, so deciding where to stay can be challenging. The best plan is to map out the points you want to visit and find a hotel in a good place in relation to those. Luxury Hotels in Jaipur, India ($150+/night) The Rambagh Palace Hotel (From $400/night) This is the hotel to stay at in Jaipur. If you’re going to splurge, do it here! The location is fantastic and close to everything in the city,…

  • India

    Where to Stay in Agra, India

    If you’re in Agra, you’re likely there for the Taj Mahal. Luckily, most hotels in Agra are clustered right around the Taj itself. There is a lot to do in Agra that’s not just the Taj Mahal, so consider staying at least a night or two to really absorb the city. It’s also a fairly cheap city for hotels – there’s only one hotel that’s going to be incredibly expensive, and all the others are quite reasonable. Luxury Hotels in Agra, India (Expensive: $150+/night) The Oberoi Amarvilas ($350+/night) This is the kind of hotel dreams are made of. Every room has a view of the Taj Mahal, and it’s played…