italy mini vlog
every year, i go to a new country w my friend! she and i want to travel the world so we pick a new place every year and budget for it.
this is a mini post of some of the scenic places in italy! we went to amalfi, rome, and florence. our favorite city was florence by far. it was scenic and encapsulated the italian scenery we expected to see. amalfi was the hardest part of the vacation. it was soooo difficult for public transportation and the mountains were steep. it was all sheer cliffs which was intense for my motion sickness 🤧 also the sun goes down early bc the mountains are so high! overall, we learned to do more research moving forward. can’t wait for the next trip!
WELCOME TO Italy! As my friend and I continue our tradition of exploring a new country every year, our recent adventure to Italy was truly one for the books, even with its ups and downs! While our initial mini-vlog post covered the highlights, I wanted to dive a bit deeper into some practical tips and personal reflections that I wish I knew before heading out. First, let's talk budgeting. We make it a point to save a set amount each month specifically for our annual trip. For Italy, this really helped us enjoy local pasta dishes and gelato without too much guilt! We also opted for Airbnbs with kitchens in Florence and Rome to save on some meals, cooking breakfast and a few dinners ourselves. This strategy not only saved us money but also gave us a feel for local markets. Florence, hands down, was our absolute favorite. It truly encapsulated that classic Italian scenery we dreamed of. Walking across the Ponte Vecchio at sunset, exploring the Uffizi Gallery, and just getting lost in the charming streets felt magical. My top tip for Florence is to book museum tickets in advance – the lines can be daunting! Also, don't miss trying a 'lampredotto' sandwich from a street vendor; it's an experience in itself! Rome was, of course, incredible with its ancient history. The Colosseum and Roman Forum were breathtaking, but navigating the crowds required patience. We found that waking up early to visit popular sites gave us a head start before the major tour groups arrived. For transport, Rome's metro is quite efficient for getting to major landmarks. Just be prepared for a lot of walking everywhere else! Now, the Amalfi Coast. Oh, Amalfi! As I mentioned, public transportation was quite the challenge. The sheer cliffs and winding roads were intense, especially for my motion sickness. If I were to do it again, I'd seriously consider hiring a private driver for at least one day to explore the towns like Positano and Ravello. Or, perhaps stay in one town and take local ferries, which might be less nauseating than the buses. The views were undeniably stunning, but the journey was a learning curve! We definitely learned that while the sun goes down early behind those high mountains, the beauty of the coast is worth the effort if you plan wisely. Overall, our biggest takeaway was the importance of thorough research, especially regarding local transport and terrain. Every city has its own rhythm, and a little planning goes a long way in making your trip smoother and more enjoyable. From what to pack (comfortable walking shoes are a MUST!) to understanding local customs, these details can transform your travel experience. I hope sharing these more detailed insights helps you plan your own unforgettable Italian adventure!
