It seems that resolutions are hopelessly lame these days. It’s now popular to say, “I don’t make resolutions, I make goals, duh” accompanied by a hair flick and eye roll. To which I’d say, goals are resolutions. I’d say, when has taking stock and wanting to improve not a good thing? I’d say, who cares if it’s not popular? I… Read more »
Few places know how to do Christmastime like Europe. Between feast days and lights, Duomo-sized Christmas trees and pastries galore, there’s enough Christmas cheer to attract a North Pole elf. Or, you know, a traveler who likes pretty things. Instead of a sea of tourists, you’ll find yourself in a sea of Italians, out to… Read more »
The more I travel in Italy, the more I’m convinced that Italy’s biggest charm comes from its smallest towns and villages. Rome is a must-see. Its historical importance alone can bring you there. Venice, the sinking city in the lagoon, has attracted explorers since its foundation. Florence was the birthplace of the Renaissance where artists… Read more »
The best way to get the most out of your trip to Italy is to prepare a bit in advance. That said, I know we’re all busy people and sometimes our trips sneak up on us before we’ve even had a chance to buy a guidebook. Let me help you. Below are some of my favorite articles, tips… Read more »
I love road trips, but train travel in Italy is usually the best choice for travelers to the country. With extensive networks and generally inexpensive tickets, train travel in Italy is easy and convenient. Understanding all the options and booking tickets online, less so. I realized just how daunting the task can be after trying to explain… Read more »
… is on the Amalfi Coast. Positano, the world-famous village on the Amalfi Coast known for its lemons, steep stairs and overwhelming beauty, also happens to be the most expensive European summer destination according to a survey by Cheaprooms.co.uk. Ok, Ok, I admit, the surveyors don’t instill a lot of trust, but without any scientific research at all,… Read more »
“Look at this crostata!” Marco was gesticulating wildly to a piece of nutella pie, or crostata in Italian. Sure it looked good, but not enough to scream across the small Italian cafè. “It only costs 1.50!” Then I understood. See, in Lombardia, things aren’t cheap. The region produces about a fifth of all of Italy’s GDP. It’s one of… Read more »
There’s nothing like a road trip in summer. Though a road trip is typically thought of as a classic American institution, a road trip in Italy can be just as great. Yet I’ve noticed that most travelers to Italy do anything possible to avoid driving in Italy. I understand; the roads are small, the traffic dense and the… Read more »
There are a few dirty truths about Italy. One is that it really isn’t as clean and efficient as photos and films might make it seem. The other is that with 47 million visitors every year, it’s perpetually crowded. My least favorite experiences in Italy involve fighting the crowds. I’ve been trapped on the bridges of Venice in… Read more »
Just 10 miles north of Milan is Monza, a city with all the fashion and haughtiness of Milan, at a fraction of the size. Monza is the third largest city of Lombardy and the capital of the province of Brianza. The city stretches out like tentacles, reaching its influence well into the surrounding towns. Maybe because… Read more »
