Experience the essence of the Italian lifestyle without ever leaving home. In this episode, I share the five Mediterranean rituals that transformed the way I live after more than a decade in Italy - simple daily habits like slow mornings, small moments of beauty, mindful meals, evening strolls, and sacred Sundays. These are the quiet practices that ground Italians in presence, intention, and joy. If you’ve ever wanted to embrace the Mediterranean lifestyle, slow down, or find deeper meaning i...
Flights to Italy can make or break the start of your trip, and most travelers never realize how many things can go wrong until they are already in the air. In this episode, I share a real story from one of my travel agency clients whose dream vacation started unraveling before they even landed. Missed connections, canceled flights, lost luggage, rescheduled transfers, a full itinerary that needed to be rebuilt in real time. It is the kind of chaos most travelers are not prepared for. If you ...
This Rome in December guide explores what to expect, what to wear, and why visiting Italy in winter is one of the most magical ways to experience the Eternal City. Discover how Rome transforms in December with festive lights, cozy trattorias, Christmas markets, and that unmistakable Italian warmth. In this episode, I share insider tips from my ten years living in Italy, including how to dress for the season, what’s open and what’s not, where to find the best local food, and how to experience ...
Ever wondered what it’s really like to spend Thanksgiving in Italy? In this episode, I share what it’s truly like to experience the holiday abroad - where Thanksgiving Day is simply another Thursday, and life continues at its graceful Italian pace. November in Italy feels quietly magical: the air turns crisp, the light softens, and the country moves into a slower, more intimate rhythm. Markets brim with seasonal produce, vineyards wind down their harvests, and cafés glow with the warmth of co...
How much should you really tip in Italy? If you’ve ever lingered over pasta in a Roman trattoria wondering whether to leave a few euros or nothing at all, this episode is for you. Tipping in Italy isn’t black and white, and it’s certainly not like the U.S. In this episode, I unpack the nuances of Italian tipping culture: what’s customary, what’s optional, and what’s entirely unnecessary. After more than a decade living in Italy, I’ve watched countless travelers struggle with the same di...
If you’re already dreaming about your Italy trip in 2026, you’re planning ahead, and that’s exactly what smart travelers do. In this episode, I’ll walk you through how to plan your Italy vacation like a true insider: when to book your hotels, tours, train tickets, private transfers, and even make restaurant reservations. From Tuscany villas and Amalfi Coast hotels to Rome tours, Florence museums, and Venice water taxis, I’ll share my expert booking timeline that helps you to secure the ...
Dreaming of your next trip to Italy? Before you pack your bags, there are a few hidden costs every traveler should know about - the kind that don’t show up in your travel budget but can quietly add up once you’re here. As someone who owns a travel agency based in Italy, I’ve seen it all, from surprise hotel city taxes and Airbnb cleaning fees to restaurant “coperto” charges, train seat fees, and unexpected ATM or exchange costs. These little details can easily add hundreds of euros to your tr...
Planning your dream trip to Italy and stuck on the question: Airbnb or hotel? In this episode I dive into one of the biggest decisions travelers face when planning an Italy vacation: where to stay in Italy? I uncover the appeal of Airbnbs in Italy - from extra space, kitchens, and laundry options to that authentic “live like a local” feeling in Rome, Florence, or Venice. Then I'll share the advantages of hotels in Italy, boutique city hotels, luxury countryside retreats in Tuscany, and even u...
There’s beauty all across Italy in autumn, yet nothing compares to the timeless charm of Tuscany in fall. In this episode, I’m sharing why September, October, and November have become the most desired months to visit - from the Chianti wine harvest and freshly pressed olive oil to truffle season, cosy trattorias, and golden vineyards that glow in the autumn light. I’ll take you through what makes each month special: September for grape harvests, October for truffles and new olive oil, a...
Most people assume summer is Italy’s busiest season, but after years of helping travelers plan their dream trips, I can tell you the real peak is actually September and October. In this episode, I’ll share exactly what fall in Italy is like: the weather, the crowds, the prices, what’s open, and the pros and cons of visiting at this time of year. From Rome, Florence, Venice, and Tuscany to the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre, I’ll explain why fall has become the busiest time in Italy and what th...
Greek Islands in September: Still Worth Visiting or Too Late? September in Greece often sparks the question: Is it the best-kept secret of the Greek Islands, or already too late in the season? In this episode, recorded here in Greece, I uncover exactly what travelers can expect when visiting the Greek Islands in September, from what the weather really feels like and how busy the islands are, to ferry schedules, nightlife, and how prices shift once peak season ends. You’ll discover: What Septe...
Planning a trip to Greece and wondering: Mykonos vs Santorini vs Paros - which Greek island is REALLY best for you? In this episode, I compare three of the most popular destinations in the Cyclades. Whether you’re looking for romance, adventure, nightlife, or authenticity, this guide will help you decide which Greek island fits your dream vacation. I also share insider travel tips, real costs, pros and cons of each island, and the best island-hopping combinations. Perfect for anyone pla...
Dreaming of a magical trip to Santorini but worried Oia’s crowds will ruin the experience? In this episode, I reveal the best place to stay in Santorini that offers stunning caldera views, romantic sunsets, and authentic Greek food - without the chaos of Oia or Fira. Perched at the highest point on the caldera, Imerovigli offers everything travelers dream of in Greece - dramatic sunset views, boutique hotels with infinity pools, romantic Cycladic architecture, and peaceful streets far from th...
What’s it really like to live in Rome, Italy? Not the Instagram fantasy, but the real life of moving to Rome, from breathtaking sunsets over the Colosseum to endless bureaucracy, transport strikes, and the kind of chaos that only Italy can deliver. In this episode, I share the beautiful, chaotic, and utterly addictive reality of living in Rome. You’ll hear stories about golden light in Villa Borghese, sleepless nights thanks to blaring alarms, navigating Italy’s famous bureaucracy, and learn...
If you’ve started planning a trip to Italy and now find yourself standing in front of your suitcase, wondering what to wear in Italy, this episode is your ultimate style guide. I’m sharing exactly how to dress for Italy’s most unforgettable occasions - from opera nights at Teatro alla Scala in Milan, to elegant dinners in Florence and Rome, to chic Italian weddings. As the founder of a travel agency in Italy and a personal stylist based in Rome, I’ll walk you through the Italian dress codes ...
Everyone dreams of getting married in Italy, but what actually happens at a real Italian wedding? Last week, I attended one in Umbria, where my American best friend married his Italian partner. It was stunning, romantic, and full of surprises. From pre-wedding serenades and epic aperitivo spreads to Italian fashion, the weather, and why guests wire money instead of bringing gifts - I’m sharing it all in this episode. Whether you're planning a destination wedding, attending one, or just love I...
Thinking about visiting Italy in August? Before you lock in your plans, you need to know what really happens during Ferragosto - Italy’s centuries-old holiday on August 15 that can completely change your trip. In this episode, I share what most guidebooks and travel blogs don’t tell you: What Ferragosto actually is and why cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice feel so differentWhy your favorite trattorias, artisan shops, or even the Vatican Museums might be closedWhat it really feels like to...
Planning a trip to France? This episode will change everything you thought you knew about where to go. Most travelers follow the same path: Paris, Nice, maybe Saint-Tropez. But what if the most unforgettable places in France aren’t the ones you’ve seen on Instagram but the ones no one told you about? In this episode, I’m taking you beyond the typical France travel itinerary and into the hidden heart of the country - the villages, coastlines, and slow-living corners that American travelers oft...
Planning a trip to Rome and not sure where to stay? In this episode, I break down the best neighborhoods in Rome, the ones to avoid, and how to choose the right area for your trip - whether you’re visiting Italy for the first time, planning a romantic escape, or organizing a family vacation. As the founder of a travel agency based in Italy, I’ve lived in Rome’s most iconic neighborhoods, walked its streets at sunrise, and helped hundreds of clients design unforgettable stays. And one th...
Visiting Rome in 2025: What the Jubilee Year Means for Your Trip & Travel Planning. If you’re heading to Italy this year, this is the episode you need. I’m breaking down exactly what it’s like to visit Rome during the 2025 Jubilee Year - from Vatican crowds and rising hotel prices to construction delays and once-in-a-lifetime events you won’t want to miss. What you’ll learn in this episode: – What is the Jubilee Year and how it impacts travel to Rome – Real talk: how Rome actually feels i...