Too often we put pressure on ourselves to have an experience like no other. You are convinced that fulfilling travel is being unique, different and the first to see it all!
How do you do this?
You don't--You do this instead:
"The point is not to do something nobody has ever done before, but to do something YOU have never done before." -#elizabethgilbert
Thousands of people have seen this view in sicily but my eyes capture it differently then everyone else
1. Focus on One Region in Italy
Instead of trying to conquer every major town in the whole country, how about focusing on one region.
Ex: The Amalfi Coast is not just the beaches. Remember you can find history in Pompeii & Herculaneum, Pizza and the famous Presepe during Christmas in Naples, wine tasting all throughout the region along with famous year-round festivals and shows.
This is equivalent to visiting Tuscany, Rome and Cinque Terre all in one and without the hours of travel to get from place to place!
2. Hire a Travel Consultant
Yes, I am a travel planner and tour operator but I believe in what I do! I spent 10+ years of my life researching, traveling and meeting locals so I can create a mini-version of my experiences for you. Experts like me can also show you how to live the local way of life even in the biggest tourist towns of Italy.
Getting lost and wandering is fun but this is a great way to maximize your time and see it all while still having to RELAX on your vacation.
Some locals we are proud to introduce to our clients (yes the goat is a local too):
3. Try a Meaningful or Fulfilling Day Trip // Do Something that Scares You!
Get on vespa, learn to sail, help out in a nearby community or finally order that anchovy dish--try something that will make you feel exhilarated! Putting meaning and a goal behind your trip will bring your vacation to another level. You do not have to be an adventurist to take a small steps past your comfort zone. It can be as simple as speaking the language with a local, Try it.
For the theory behind this check out Matt Cutt's TED TALK for inspiration.
4. Journaling
Everyone says they will do it but how many times have you actually sat down and wrote your exact feelings at the end of a day during your travels. To be able to return to that moment well after the vacation is over is another way to savor your travel memories forever. So write, photograph or keep notes of the adventures with the new app Stiya.
thanks to journaling i can always remember this tuscan dinner and then recreate for clients
5. Stop putting so much pressure on yourself to see it all // Be Flexible
In Italy there is a concept called 'kilometer zero' or what we call here: slow-travel. Take the time to deeply experience each and every place you go. If you can't make it to a museum because you spent an extra 2 hours at that organic farm enjoying lunch then so be it! You can always go back or switch your your day around.
Stressing out about this also puts a damper on your energy so pinpoint your three most important highlights of the trip and make sure you do that! If you can not get to the rest don't worry, if it is that important you will return again soon!
Helping out in a Sicilian Salt Marsh for the day!
