The Italy Travel Podcast - An Only A Bag Podcast
A travel podcast offering advice and tips for visiting Italy, hosted by two former tourists who now live there. Episodes cover topics like finding authentic food, ordering coffee like a local, and exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations. New episodes are released every Wednesday and Friday.
Episodes
Yankee Go Home—Do Italians Want Americans to Stay Home?
This episode is titled after the stickers you may see around Florence; black text on a yellow background reading "Yankee Go Home". In this episode we're addressing concerns about Florence locals hating American tourists. But we're also talking about the true negative impact that tourism has had on Europe and what we can do about it. If you have any questions about your trip or if you have tips for
"Expat" vs "Immigrant" What is the Difference?
There has been a discussion circulating on the internet about whether we should stop using the word "expat". In this episode we're talking about what these terms mean, who uses them, and our thoughts on whether getting rid of the word "expat" would make a positive change. This discourse affects tourists too, because there is a much larger conversation happening around outside influence on Italy, w
Headlines: The Political Episode—Upcoming Election, Gas Prices, and Recent Decrees
While we try not to delve too much into the political side of Italy mainly as it will rarely affect your trip to Italy, today's episode jumps right into it! Next year, December 22nd will be the election day for a Prime Minister and a fair amount of Senate seats, so already the news is ramping up with headlines ranging from things like Meloni's government cutting a widely-hated road tax onl
Headlines: October Strikes, Rome's Coolest Neighborhood, and Sorrento Coastline Redesign
Sorry this is late! I (Nathaniel) scheduled it for Thursday, not Wednesday!We're back for another headlines episode! So much has happened this month, so today we jump into upcoming strikes, airport closures, the upcoming redesign of Sorrento's coastline (hello, new free beaches!), and Esquilino being named the world's 10th coolest neighborhood! If you have any questions about your trip
How to Harvest Olives in Italy
This is the time of year for harvesting lots of foods in Italy, one of the main ones being olives (primarily for making olive oil). Continuing with the theme of talking about an experience rather than a destination, in this episode we're talking about what it's like to harvest olives and how you can do it. Harvesting olives is hard work, but if you're someone who enjoys getting their h
How to Harvest Grapes in Italy (The Vendemmia)
For something a little different than what we normally do, we wanted to talk about an experience rather than a place. Specifically, we wanted to talk about grape-picking in Italy (called a "vendemmia"). While some of the larger vintners and wine productions use paid professionals who know how to pick grapes without damaging the vines or soil, a massive number of smaller productions, agri
Off the Beaten Path: Sword in the Stone and Abbey of San Galgano
What's the point of living in Italy and having a podcast on traveling in Italy if we're never going to talk about Italian legends? That's right, today we're talking about the [somewhat] famous Sword in the Stone, merely 45 minutes away from Siena. Yes, it's an actual sword in the stone! And yes, we know who put it there! There's also the fairly strong theory that it influen
Off the Beaten Path: The Fourteen Towers of San Gimignano
We're coming into fall and thinking about one of the best regions to visit this season, Tuscany. Today we're talking about San Gimignano. While it's certainly no secret, this little town famous for its many medieval towers is a great place to visit in the autumn and off season. We'll tell you how to get there and what there is to see and we'll get into the history. "What&#
Trains! Need to Know Info and What To Do When Things Go Wrong
On some of our first train journeys in Italy, amid the cacophony of voices and stress not wanting to miss our train, we were so overwhelmed we forgot some of the standard information to look for, like the train number, the carriage number, and how to use the departures board to find our platform. We'll tell you everything you need to know to get to your train with the least amount of stress po
Trains! Trenitalia vs. Italo, How and When to Book, and Discounts
It's been about two years since we had a dedicated episode on trains in Italy, and given the fact that there have been some minor changes this year (including the fact that Trenitalia will be rolling out their Rome-Munich line next year!) plus some changes the to types of tickets and rolling stock themselves, we thought this week we should give it some attention! We're talking about how an
Traveling in the Shoulder Season: What to See, Do, and Eat
We're continuing our discussion on traveling in the autumn shoulder season. We're talking about what to expect in terms of weather from October beach days to cozy dreary days in the North. We'll also talk about what makes fall in Italy special ,aside from the cooler temperature and perhaps smaller crowds. It's the food and the festivals. This is harvest time, from grapes and olives
Traveling in the Shoulder Season: Essential Tips for Fall Travel
This week we're talking about traveling in the shoulder season, specifically in the fall and a bit of winter. In this episode, we're talking about the major differences between "on-season" and "off-season" and the pros and cons of traveling during this period in Italy. We'll answer questions like "Are there fewer tourists and lower prices in the shoulder season
Headlines: New Pedestrian Law, Uffizi Restoration, Drought
Once again, headlines! And once again, it's been a light month (thankfully). We're talking about the new Uffizi restoration project which should make your next trip a lot more comfortable, the effects of the recent heatwaves and droughts, and lastly, a new law aimed at pedestrians that penalizes crossing the street while being on your phone. If you have any questions about your trip or if
Headlines: Strikes in September, Rome Ticket Changes, Autolinee Toscana and More!
This week we're talking about headlines! And while it's been a pretty quiet month—most people have fled to the beaches or mountains so there's very little that's happened—there have been some small changes and updates to Rome's ATAC (or urban transportation) tickets, increases in Autolinee Toscana's tickets, and, of course, upcoming strikes. Trains guaranteed in a strike:ht
Off the Beaten Path: Capri's Certosa of San Giacomo
In the middle of the town of Capri sits the quiet and oftentimes empty Certosa di San Giacomo. Out of the sun, an uninterrupted view of the Faraglioni, and astonishingly empty. In this episode, we talk about a place that should be on the beaten path but has somehow evaded major waves of tourism. Plus, they often hold events or art shows here, so even if you don't really want to walk around ano
Off the Beaten Path: Capri's Gardens of Augustus and Via Krupp
Capri can feel like it has very little "off the beaten path" as it has pretty much defined the path. That said, it's really like anywhere else in Italy; one step off the main road and suddenly you're alone. Or, almost alone. To be fair, the Gardens of Augustus aren't really off the beaten path, but at the same time, we wanted to offer our thoughts on how populated it is, if i
Renting and Driving a Car in Italy: Fines, Alcohol, Manual vs. Automatic, and more!
Picking up where we left off, this episodes delves a little more into the particulars: how much can you drink before you're over the legal limit, do you even have to pay a fine (speeding, driving, etc.) if you're never coming back to Italy, if you can rent an automatic, the relative sizes of vehicles, and damages. Basically, it's a kitchen sink of need-to-know.Italian road signs: https
Renting a Car and Driving in Italy: Documents, Speed Limits, the ZTL, and more!
If you're thinking about renting a car and tooling around Italy without a care in the world, you should do so! And better than that, this episode will help you to do so! In it, we talk about what documents you'll need, the speed limits (which aren't often posted), the infamous ZTL, and how it is to drive in some cities. If you have any questions about your trip or if you have tips for
Off The Beaten Path: Florence's Santa Maria Novella pharmacy, La Specola, and Palazzo Davanzati
Picking up where we left off on Wednesday, Darcy explains the allure of the Dominican Friar's pharmacy near Santa Maria Novella—including perfumes made from ancient recipes that can still be purchased—as Nathaniel offers two museums that might not have made it to the top of your "must see" list: the zoological "La Specola" and the suspended-in-time Palazzo Davanzati. Keep a
Off The Beaten Path: Florence's Last Suppers and Hospital of the Innocents
It's been a few weeks since we've gone off the beaten path, so we thought—given the heat threatening Florence and the ever present crowds—that this would be the perfect week for another.Darcy takes us on a journey through three of Florence's most famous "Last Supper"s and ends with the orphanage-turned-museum at the Hospital of the Innocents. Below are links to the "Last Supper"s we talk about in
Italy Headlines for August Part 2: Demonstrations, Rome Sites Open Late, and Changes to Horse Carriages
In our headlines episodes we typically try to talk about news that will affect your upcoming trip, like in this episode: the Pantheon and Colosseum will be open late to beat the heat, the Lepanto metro stop in Rome will be closed, and some horse-drawn carriages for tourists are being phased out. However this week, we're also taking about three big demonstrations that happened across Italy in July.
Italy Headlines for August: Wildfires, Rail Closures, Ferragosto
Today, we're back with headlines! Some are for Europe in general (a new survey is out letting anyone vote on the designs for the new Euro bills, and what Europe's new €3 tax on everything purchased outside of the EU might mean for you), a handful of rail closures—but no major strikes!—and information are where wildfires are in Italy. Links Mentioned:New Euro Survey: https://surveys.ecb.eur
Pompeii: Getting There, Tickets, and Fun facts
In our last episode, we waxed poetically (or rambled) about the magic of Pompeii and how indescribable it feels. In this episode, we're talking about the practicalities of the Archeological Park of Pompeii. We'll explain how to get there, with an insider tip for leaving from Naples*, break down the different types of tickets, and talk about some fun facts and interesting sites within the p
Pompeii: What It's Like and Why You Should Go
Pompeii, the city covered in ash that's still being discovered. We spend most of this episode's 40-odd minutes trying to put into words why someone should go. Sure, it's old, but so is a lot of Italy. And while it's well-preserved, again, so is a lot of Italy (and the other remnants of the Roman Empire). It's also hard to imagine how much you might enjoy it until you're the
Ravello: What To See/Do and Day Trips
One of the best things to do in Ravello is to just leisurely walk around and explore or to sit outside at a cafe and people-watch. It's a calm and relaxed little town with great views around the edge and a pretty piazza near the duomo. You can also visit two famous sculpted gardens: Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone. Villa Rufolo is in the center of town and costs €8 per person, while Villa Cimb
Ravello: Mountaintop Tranquility and How to Get There
This week we're talking about the best-known mountaintop town on the Amalfi Coast, Ravello. Situated above the sea with no beach access, this town offers stunning views over the sea, cooler breezes in summertime heat, and a bit of an escape from the crowds in Amalfi and Positano. The only ways to get to Ravello are by bus, car, or footpath from Atrani, the town below on the sea. Sita Sud is th
Need To Know Before You Go: Restaurant Reservations, ATMs, Itineraries, Passport
Wrapping up our Need to Know week, we're sort of talking about the kitchen sink in this episode. We're talking about [the importance of] making reservations at a restaurant, using "aperitivo time" as a way to adventurously explore the food scene, the fact that some stores might have different items to what you're expecting or even lacking them (such as pharmacies, for example
Need To Know Before You Go: Flight, Accommodation, and Luggage
As the travel months are ramping up, we thought we'd take the time to quickly run through the "things we wish we knew before we went", or, perhaps more accurately, "the things we wish we had remembered to tell people before they came here". To kick things off, we're talking about some flight pitfalls to be aware of, accommodation tips and scams to be aware of, and choos
Headlines: Strikes, Venice Fee, EES Changes, and Summer Happenings
Today, we're back talking about the smaller headlines, some you may have already seen, such as Venice potentially raising the entry fee to €50 and the possibility that Rome's airports might suspend their EES (Entry-Exit System). We're filling you in on what that might mean for your trip, as well as upcoming strikes, the Pantheon price increase, and a handful of upcoming concerts and ev
Headlines: European Heatwave
Even though the heatwave that's been sweeping through Europe for the past week and a half is actually on its way out of Italy, we thought it would still make sense to talk about it. After all, it's more than likely we'll see another heatwave this year, even if not one quite as severe. Mostly, it's designed to answer some big questions that have popped up (why isn't there AC, wh
Vietri Sul Mare: How To Get There and What To Do
From wandering the colorfully tiled streets to shopping for ceramics and going to the beach, in this episode we'll tell you all there is to do in Vietri Sul Mare and how to get there, plus getting around! Vietri Sul Mare is easily reachable by bus and ferry. There is also a train station which is being repaired and not functional as of June 2026, however a bus route is running in its place. Be
Vietri Sul Mare: Ceramic Capital of the South
There was once a time where you could tell someone going to Italy that they'd have to go to Venice (Murano) for the glass, Florence for the leather, and Vietri sul Mare for the ceramics. Over the years, glass workshops have closed around Venice, quality leather production has shifted away from Florence as it follows cheaper rents, and yet, Vietri sul Mare is still a powerhouse of ceramics fact
Ischia: Getting There, Getting Around, What To Do, and Spas
Now that you know the general vibe of Ischia, it's time to talk about how to get there, and how to get around once you're there. We also talk about things you can do once you get to Ischia (taking a hike to the top of a volcano, for instance) as well as the absolute plethora of thermal baths and pools. So if you're looking for a relaxing way to spend some of your time in Italy, conside
Ischia: A Surprising Sense of Peace in the Gulf of Naples
In this episode we're hopping over to the lesser-known island of Ischia. Ischia is an island renown in Italy for its thermal springs and spas, though "renown" might be a bit strong, seeing as outside of Italy it isn't very well known at all. We'll tell you about the town of Ischia proper and Ischia Porto and a little about our experience visiting for the first time. We found
Capri: The Blue Grotto and Boat Tours, Overnight vs. Daytrip, and Knowing Where to Spend
We're back and we're still talking about Capri! In this episode, we wanted to discuss the Blue Grotto—one of southern Italy's most famous natural wonders—and whether or not it's worth it. We also wanted to try and answer the classic question of "Should I go to Capri just for the day or spend the night?" Lastly, while Capri can be (and very much is) expensive, we wanted to
Capri: Getting There, Getting Around, and the Vibes
Having recently returned from a trip to Capri, we were once again reminded why it's so popular. Yes, it's touristy, and yes, finding authenticity in Capri can feel like a Herculean effort. But at the end of the day, it's one of the most beautiful places in Italy, not only for its views, but also for its nature and (believe it or not!) tranquility.In this episode we discuss getting ther
Headlines: Strikes in June, Rome Scooter Rules, and JFK->Sardinia
Today we're discussing upcoming strikes in Italy for the month of June (of which there are thankfully few, so your June trip shouldn't see too many hiccups!). We're also talking about new rules and restrictions around electric scooters in Rome, the expansion of the STVR ban in Florence, and the first ever USA to Sardinia direct flight courtesy of Delta. You can join our Patreon for fre
Headlines: EES in European Airports and Your Right to Tap Water in Italy
Today we're discussing the new EES (Entry/Exit System) that you will most likely encounter on your trip to Europe this year. Likewise, we're also looking at the court case that recently made it big in the headlines, establishing the fact that Italians (and people in Italy) have no "right" to tap water at a restaurant. Thankfully, we're both no longer as sick as we were, so ho
Sorrento: Where to Stay In and Around Sorrento
While it can be amazing to stay right smack-dab in the middle of Sorrento, it can also come with unforeseen challenges. Likewise, staying just outside of Sorrento might be a quiet retreat from the hubbub, but it can also mean you don't get the experience you were hoping for. In this episode, we break down the various small towns around Sorrento and neighborhoods in Sorrento to help you figure
Sorrento: Public Transportation and Restaurant Tips
We're back! Today we're talking about Sorrento, which we had briefly started talking about two weeks ago. This episode focuses on how to catch the bus, things to keep in mind surrounding using the bus, our experience with using taxis, and, of course, food. While in the past we've normally tried not to give specific recommendations (mainly as we know that food can be highly subjective,
(RERUN) Naples Pastries: Baked, Fried, Filled With Ricotta
We are still out of town, but we'll be back next week! Until then, please enjoy one our episodes from the end of last year. "How could we talk about Naples and not about the pastries? After all, this is why you listen to Only A Bag! After a few thousand years of outside rule, one of the few good things (which is a weird way of saying, "Thanks for leaving behind some of your food when
(RERUN) Naples: Dinnertime, Street Food, and Pizza
As mentioned in last week's episodes, we are out of town this week! Instead of leaving you all without an episode, we're going back into the past to bring you an episode from the fall of last year. We hope you enjoy! "Continuing the Naples theme, we delve into dinner time, street food (like the famous pizza portafoglio, or pizza folded into a triangle) and the most famous dish to ever
AI Trip Planning — Part 2: How AI Trip Planning Works (and Doesn't Work)
Following up from Wednesday's episode, today we're talking about the actual trip planning portion. How is AI used to plan a trip, where does it succeed, and where does it fail. We also offer some alternatives for those of you who are planning a trip and prefer to not rely on AI. You can join our Patreon for free! Want a shout out on the podcast? Check out our paid tiers. patreon
AI Trip Planning — Part 1: Understanding AI
Today, we're talking about something we've actually wanted to talk about for a few years. It's something that we knew would inevitably evolve, just as with any other AI application. After hearing and reading stories of AI chatbots and trip planners making up fake destinations, misrepresenting walking areas and how long it takes to get from point A to B, or recommending closed restauran
Off The Beaten Path: An Ecological Wonder and Rome Untouched
If you're like us, you might have already been here without knowing you were here. And where is here? Parco della Caffarella, or, Caffarella Park. Near the Appian Way, this park sits as a haven for all manner of wildlife, an active pasture for sheep, and a place to relax outside the hubbub of Rome. Links:Caffarella Park (scroll down for information about the electric minicar): https://www.caff
Off The Beaten Path: Two Peaceful Gardens in the Middle of Rome
Spring has sprung (and we're a little late) but in that season of renewal (spring and our brand-new name and cover art) we thought we'd look at some little-known parks in Rome that are right in the middle of everything, but hidden. We've often talked about how difficult it can feel to find green space or a place to relax in Rome's historic center. In this episode, we tell you about
Sorrento: Getting There Via Ferry vs. Train
In this episode we'll talk about how to get to Sorrento and the pros and cons of traveling there by ferry vs. train. We'll also talk about the difference between two trains from Naples to Sorrento which are often confused with each other, the Circumvesuviana train and the Campania Express train. Having just been to Sorrento via ferry and left by train, we've also got a couple of fun an
Sorrento: An Introduction to the "Vibe" and our First Impressions
While we've talked about great deal about the Amalfi Coast, we only recently realized on a short trip up to Sorrento that we've never talked about it by itself, despite the fact we've been there so often. Today, we've decided to rectify that! In this episode we talk about the general vibe of Sorrento, our first impressions upon seeing it through the eyes of tourists, and who we thi
Headlines: Controversial Lawyer "Bonus," two recent robberies, and could marijuana be legalized in Italy?
We're continuing this month's headlines episodes today talking about a contentious new bonus for immigration lawyers in Italy, a bank robbery in Naples with possible connections to other high profile robberies, and a jewelry store robbery in Rome. We'll also tell you about a protest by Riccardo Magi, secretary of +Europa, and Radicali Italiani (Italian Radicals), for the legalization a
Headlines: Deepening Jet Fuel Crisis, Increasing Food Prices, and Upcoming Strikes
In this episode we're following up on the jet fuel crisis and train travel options. We're also talking about how the jet fuel crisis could be affecting food prices in Italy. And, as always with our headlines episodes, we'll tell you about upcoming strikes that could affect your trip to Italy. Travel insurance could potentially be helpful in the case of canceled flights or trains, but i
Jet Fuel Shortage: What to Expect and How to Plan For It (Part 2)
In our last episode, we talked a bit about what the fuel shortage is and why it's happening. In this episode, we're talking about what it could mean for the future and how it could affect your trip to Italy. We'll also give you tips on how to protect yourself from canceled or delayed flights and ways to mitigate the effects of the fuel shortage on your trip. If you'd like to here m
Jet Fuel Shortage: What it Means For Your Trip (Part 1)
Today we're talking about the recent jet fuel shortage at some of Italy's biggest airports: Milan Linate, Bologna, Venice, and Treviso. Since some of you might be coming to Italy in the next few weeks/next month or two, we wanted to also offer a little explanation as to why this is happening, what is affected, and where things might go from here (more restrictions or fewer). As mentioned i
Off the Beaten Path: Capua's Ancient Amphitheater
We're off the beaten path again in this episode and we're talking about the Amphitheatre of Capua. This amphitheater dates back to the first century BCE and was the site of the first gladiator school. We'll tell you about everything from the massive size a classic shape of the amphitheater that was the model for the Coliseum to the civil war that ultimately destroyed a significant part
Off the Beaten Path: Rome's Monte Testaccio
We're back and we're off the beaten path again! Today we're talking about the ancient landfill-turned-mountain of Monte Testaccio in Rome's Testaccio neighborhood. What awaits you at the top are beautiful views of Rome, the sense of accomplishment that you've scaled a pile of trash, and underfoot—all along the way—you'll see carefully broken pottery, neatly stacked and plac
Siena Revisited: What to Eat and What to See
In this episode we're continuing our revisit of Siena. We run a little long on talking about what to eat, but if you've listened to this podcast before, then you know that's nothing new! If you're new here, "welcome!" we love food and talk about it a lot. We also talk about some of the major sites to see in Siena and few off the beaten path ones as well. If you're loo
Siena Revisited: Getting There, Getting Around, Where to Stay
We last talked about Siena almost 2 years ago, so we thought what better to talk about during this rainy period than a city famously under the Tuscan sun? In this episode, we go over the basics of getting there on trains, buses, or by car, getting around (mostly walking in historic center), and the best neighborhoods to stay in. If you're looking for hotels in Siena, you can check out our hote
Headlines: Hep A in Naples, Unrelated Explosions in Rome, and new Ownership for Teatro Sannazaro
Today's episode is a sort of kitchen sink of news. We're talking about some things happening in Italy that may seem worrying from the Hepatitis A outbreak in Naples to two unrelated explosions in Rome. We also have an update on the Teatro Sannazaro after the fire and we'll take a look at rising gas prices. In happy news, Only a Bag is having a glow-up! We'll be changing our name to "The Italy Trav
Headlines: Upcoming Strikes and the Constitutional Referendum Explained
In this episode we're talking about upcoming strikes at the end of March through April 2026. Listed below are links for more information on strikes from official websites. We're also talking abut the recent Constitutional Referendum that has been the talk-of-the-town (and country) in the last week. We'll give you a brief explainer on what it was and how it has affected Italy. In other
Fireside Chat: Name Change, New Patreon, and the Future of the Podcast
How else to better announce a name change (and minor updates) than an episode dedicated to it?That's right, a name change! In 4~ weeks, on April 22nd (Earth day, woohoo!) we will officially change our name to "The Italy Travel Podcast". But before we did so, we wanted everyone to have a chance to familiarize themselves with the new name, check out this episode, and even offer their f
Cilento: The Medieval City of Teggiano
This week we're in the Cilento, on Wednesday we talked about the Certosa di San Lorenzo di Padula, today we're talking about the medieval town of Teggiano.In this episode, we're talking about everything from Teggiano's origins in the 11th century and the drama filled Conspiracy of the Barons in the 15th century to the city's modern day charm. We'll also tell you about the p
Cilento: Certosa di San Lorenzo di Padula
NOTE: Our original upload had Nathaniel talking over himself—a cut audio part that never got cut, apparently! As of 13:20GMT we've updated the episode. If around the 9~minute mark you hear Nathaniel talking over himself, you might need to re-download the episode. Sorry for the confusion, everyone!This week we're headed back to the Cilento to talk about two fairly "hidden" locatio
Off the Beaten Path: Where Escher Meets Dalí in Castle Form
We're continuing the theme of "Architectural Madness" in this episode as part of our second installment of our Off the Beaten Path series. Today we're talking about La Scarzuola, a castle-like sculpture garden and architectural complex in Umbria. If you'd like to visit La Scarzuola, you can make reservations and read more about it at lascarzuola.com. If you're looking to
Off the Beaten Path: A Blend of Styles in Emilia-Romagna
It's our second installment of our Off the Beaten Path series and in this episode we're talking about Architectural Madness. In particular, the Rocchetta Mattei. A fever dream mash-up of Moorish, Italian Art Nouveau, and Medieval styles in a 19th century mountaintop castle between Bologna and Florence. What started out as a dream and a sanatorium became a life-long project, and then a seco
Paestum: Getting Around and What to See
Today we're continuing our discussion about Paestum. We're talking about all of the cool things you can visit including three greek temples, a museum, an ancient neighborhood, sacred sites, and a Roman forum. Plus we'll get into the practicalities of getting there and getting tickets. You can find more information on the park and buy tickets on the official Paestum and Velia website. I
Hidden Temples of the South: Paestum
In this episode, Nathaniel gives us the briefest of histories on this ancient site located in the region of Campania in southern Italy. From early tribes like the Enotrians and Greek settlers from Sybaris to the Grand Tour and WWII, Paestum has endured and served many purposes through thousands of years. We'll tell you all you need to know before you go. You can find more information on the pa
Headlines: Re-opened Terrace in Rome, the Gardens of Ninfa, and Ongoing Renovations in Florence and Naples
In this epsiode we talk about some newly opened sights, the Belvedere Antonio Cederna, a public terrace in Rome with a panoramic view of the Colosseum and the Garden if Ninfa, an English-style garden in Cisterna di Latina, a town south of Rome. We also discuss the renovations that will be ongoing at Giotto's Bell Tower in Florence and at the Teatro Sannazaro in the Chiaia neighborhood of Naples. P
Headlines: Strikes, Cancelled Strikes, Global Entry
We're back with headlines and today we're jumping straight into the important bits: strikes in the rest of February and March! Likewise, we also wanted to mention the recent news that the United States has suspended Global entry but only for the United States, not for everywhere. So if you're still planning on purchasing or using Global Entry for Italy, you can do so! *Edit: We realize
The Rise of Access to Travel as it Relates to Overtourism
In this episode we're continuing our conversation about overtourism. Why are there so many tourists? Can we, as tourists, do anything to curb the problems? Why do many locals want more restrictions or bans on short-term vacation rentals? We'll answer those questions and talk about how the problems with over tourism can be solved and who can solve them.In this episode we talked about the Ve
The Four Pillars of Overtourism and Venice as a Case Study
This week we're talking about overtourism. Yes, we've talked about overtourism before, but we wanted to do a bit of a deep dive. Is this just a buzz word thrown around, or does it actually mean something? Is it getting worse, or is it just something news outlets say in order to get clicks? And most importantly, who is at fault, and is it the tourists themselves?So strap in! In today's
Off the Beaten Path: The Alchemist's Door in Rome and The Magic of Turin
As part of our new series, which we'll be doing one week per month, we're talking about an off the beaten path site in Rome and several in Turin. Because this episode publishes on Friday the 13th, we thought we'd talk about something a little otherworldly: alchemy and magic! First we'll tell you the tale of the Alchemist's Door in Rome and where to find it. Then we're talki
Off the Beaten Path: The Pyramid of Cestius in Rome
We're starting a new series called "Off the Beaten Path." This is our first episode of the series and we're talking about the pyramid of Cestius in Rome. If you've been to Rome, you might have seen it and wondered why there's a pyramid in the middle of the city. Well, wonder no longer! We'll also briefly talk about the cemetery for non-Catholics in Rome and where the
Common Scams and Things That Are Not Scams in Italy: Part 2
We're continuing our discussion about common scams you may encounter on your trip to Italy. In this episode we're talking about scams you may encounter on transportation, on buses and in taxis as well as when purchasing tickets. We're also talking about things that may seem likes scams but actually are not. We'll answer questions like "All of the Italians are staring at me. Is
Common Scams in Italy: Part 1
This week we're talking about common scams, crimes, and general funny business to look out for while traveling in Italy. In this episode we're specifically talking about scams you may encounter on the street and at restaurants and cafes. We'll tell you how to spot and avoid them, as well as what to do if one happens to you. To see our episodes on scams in article form, check out Darcy&
Headlines: Banned Scooters, Limited Seating, and Cyclone Harry
Today we're talking about headlines that might affect your trip to Italy. We're talking about things like the one-month ban on Lime scooters in Rome, Florence limiting outdoor seating, the cyclone the recently devastated parts of Sicily and Calabria, and February transportation strikes.*Nathaniel erroneously said that Niscemi was a hilltop town on a cliff, which isn't true. It's on a hill with a s
Headlines: Greenland is Threatened, ICE at Olympics, and the Exchange Rate
This week we're back with headlines. There have been a number of jarring and terrifying headlines recently, so we wanted to look at those and offer a little insight into how Italians might be viewing them. In this episode we address how international news could affect your trip to Italy and for the Americans who listen, we wanted to answer the potential question of "Am I welcome in Italy?".If you
Venice Condensed: Part 2 | Food, Tours, Shopping, and More on Getting Around
This episode is a continuation of our essential need-to-knows about visiting Venice. In this episode we're talking about food, tours, shopping, and more details on getting around, including the cheapest way to experience a boat ride across the Grand Canal.We'll answer questions like "What are cicchetti?," "Should we take a walking tour?," and "How do we know if the
Venice Condensed: Part 1 | Neighborhoods, Islands, and Getting There/Around
We've talked about Carnevale and touched on aspects of visiting Venice, but until now, we didn't have dedicated episodes about the essential need-to-knows of visiting Venice. So this is it! In this episode we talk about the neighborhoods in Venice from our perspective and what area might best suit you. We also talk about neighboring Mestre (a popular and less expensive alternative for stay
The Hidden Stresses of Traveling: Part 2
Subtitle: "Things you might not think are stressful that end up being stressful, or, yes it's stressful but maybe not as bad as you were thinking it was" Part 2Continuing from the previous episode, we're talking about the hidden stresses of traveling and how to manage them. In this episode we're talking about so many things from what to do if you miss your train, to how to pl
The Hidden Stresses of Traveling: Part 1
Subtitle: "Things you might not think are stressful that end up being stressful" Part 1In this episode we're talking about the importance of a working phone in a country that's reliant on it and how stress can creep up around finding restaurants. Because these can be two major stressors on any vacation, we give you all of the options and our advice for how to avoid and manage tha
Tips for Traveling in the Rain
Traveling in the rain can often mean unforeseen hurdles, new difficulties to navigate, and the unfortunate reality that everything you own will get wet. After a recent trip up to Naples, we both realized that we've come to change our minds on some rain gear such as rain jackets, and whether they're actually better than umbrellas. If you'd like to support us, but you don't have the
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