3 Life-Changing Lessons I learned from Tuscany

By Kelsey Gibson

"My idea of heaven still is to drive the gravel farm roads of Umbria and Tuscany, very pleasantly lost. "

-Frances Mayes

Tuscany seems to have a magic power that consumes your whole being. It has the power to completely change your view on life and help you find your true self. There are a countless number of books and movies that are based in the Tuscan hills because this region of Italy is truly a fairytale. It seems too good to be true, but maybe it’s that beautiful truth that sets you free.

Tuscany has changed my life for the better and I can say with confidence that I am addicted to it. A huge chunk of my heart is here in Florence, Tuscany’s capital, and I can speak for most people that spend time here…it gets harder to leave each time.

Here are some of our reasons why we think traveling throughout Tuscany has the power to change your life for the better:

Photo courtesy of kelsey gibson

"Beauty: the aggregate of qualities that gives pleasure to the senses or pleasurably exalts the mind or spirit"

1. The Natural Beauty 

Tuscany, and every part within it, perfectly depicts the definition of beauty. It pleases each and every one of your senses from the sight of the hills, trees and medieval architecture, the smell and taste of the fresh olives and grapes, and the sound and feeling of the peacefulness.

Once you arrive, you will realize the beauty in the big picture of your surroundings and you will start seeing the beauty in the simple things around you in your life. It will make you a more observant and attentive person to the details that make up the sweetest moments.

You will no longer wait for the big adventures, but rather really enjoy the small things that make each day more unique and beautiful than the day before.

"The most important aspects of Italian culture are food and community."

photo courtesy of kelsey gibson

2. Quality over quantity

Throughout your travels, you will find yourself in food comas often because you will not be able to resist the authentic and vibrant flavors in everything you taste.

You will quickly realize that tomatoes are not bland, olive oil actually tastes like olives and differs from one another, and wine is an art that is meant to be appreciated with each sip. You will appreciate quality of the products and ingredients rather than the convenience and quantity of the goods.

This goes with more than just food too…you will gain a sense of quality within your relationships and friendships as well.

3. Serenity

The hills have a sense of peacefulness and serenity that will make you realize simplicity is the key to happiness. You will be able to take a step back and unavoidably let go of the little worries and problems that prevent you from seeking the joy in your life.

Whether you are sitting in the hills enjoying some wine or walking through a Tuscan town, you can clear your head easily with the lack of chaos, the subtle live street music, and simply losing yourself in the loveliness around you. You can sit back and think in the tranquility while watching the world continue on.

When you return home and the worries start to resurface, you will have a new perspective on how to conquer the and turn your problems calmly into solutions. Serenity will come more natural than before and you will want to share this bliss with those around you!

photo courtesy of kelsey gibson

“When you travel you become invisible if you want. I do want. I like to be the observer.”

What have you learned from your time traveling Italy? We would love to hear from you below! 

Who would not want to live and travel under the Tuscan sun and through the streets of Tuscan towns filled with gelato, wine, cheese, and passion?!

Come with us on our Tuscan Women’s Tour to realize all of this for yourself and more!

Destinations To Visit After Italy

By Leora Kahn

Oh, the places you'll go...(after Italy)

You just finished your weeklong adventure seeing the beautiful country of Italy, where do you go now?

Europe is a HUGE continent filled with vast culture and endless possibilities. Here are 4 destinations, just to name a few.

Belgium

This is one of the most wonderful countries I have ever seen. Despite all of the latest devastating events, I do not think that this should stop anybody from seeing the gorgeous land of Belgium. With such a central location in the heart of Europe, it is the perfect first place to stop after Italy.

What is there not to love about this place? Did you know that Belgium is the birthplace of French fries? And we can’t forget Belgian chocolate, waffles, the diamond district, and of course, Belgian BEER. There is so much history and so many sites to see. As far as languages go, English is not a problem! Belgians speak Dutch, French, and English, and are very welcoming and friendly people.

PHOTOCOURTESY OF LEORA

PHOTO COURTESY OF LEORA

PHOTO COURTESY OF LEORA

Scotland

Edinburgh, Scotland is hands down, one of my favorite places in this world. This city is filled with tremendous culture, history, and traditions. Edinburgh is a beautiful city that beams culture from aspects such as the Edinburgh castle, the royal mile, and the incredible architecture throughout the city itself.  Scotland is filled with so many fun destinations. Did you know that Edinburgh is the town that inspired the magic of Harry Potter?! And did you know that Scotland has several loches (lakes), which is where the Loch Ness monster comes from?! You can even visit the castle where Monty Python was filmed! And last but not least, don’t forget to visit the oldest and longest-operating Scottish whiskey distillery, The Famous Grouse. Oh, and fun fact, spiders are sacred in Scotland!

PHOTO COURTESY OF LEORA

PHOTO COURTESY OF LEORA

PHOTO COURTESY OF LEORA

Ireland

If you want to have a good time, you MUST go to Ireland. Dublin, Ireland is known for it’s wild temple bar nightlife, kind people, and amazing pubs. If you are lucky enough to be in Europe during St. Patrick’s Day, you absolutely have to go to Dublin! Saying this city is rich with culture is an understatement. While in Ireland, you also need to see the Cliffs of Moher! There is plenty to do and the view is breathtaking.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LEORA

Greece

I have personally never been to Greece. However, from everything I have heard and all of the pictures I have seen, Santorini is #1 on my list! The sunsets are amazing, the food is impeccable, and the people are lovely.

PHOTO COURTESY OF TAYLOR PERETTI

PHOTO COURTESY OF TAYLOR PERETTI

Never stop traveling.

Once the adventure begins, there is no reason for it to end! Follow your passions, travel as far as you can, and absorb as much as you can.

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Leora is the Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator for Travel Italian Style and is a Marketing student at James Madison University. In the spring of 2015, she was accepted to study business in Antwerp, Belgium, which allowed her to explore Europe and open her eyes to new opportunities and experiences. Needless to say, she is now consumed with a passion to travel! Leora loves to document her travel stories through all types of social media in order to share with everyone the happiness that accompanies exploration.  Leora spent time travelling through 11 countries during her time abroad, while Italy was hands down her favorite due to the blissful culture, beautiful scenery, and tasty food. She cannot wait to visit again soon!