Italy Travel Tip: Be Open

By Halie Taylor

Traveling to Italy? One tip: Be Open

Did you know there are women all over Italy right now stomping grapes, sipping espresso or riding on a Vespa while others are laying out on the coast, walking the countryside or shopping in the city center? Women who are learning about themselves, embracing the Italian culture and experiencing life through a whole new lens.

Italy offers life changing moments which is why it should be a destination that’s top on your list.

However, if you’re planning a trip to Italy it’s so important that you keep this one thing in mind: be open. Yes, you read that right, but I’ll say it again. Be open. Probably not the tip you were expecting, right? There are plenty of articles about the best clothes to pack, the best places to stay, the premier restaurants or the funnest activities to do. And these are all great. Actually, they’re really great tips and you’ll probably find yourself thankful you checked out some of them, but when your plans go awry, the museum you wanted to go in is too crowded or the restaurant you saw everyone at is too expensive, one tip will remain: be open.

I know, I know. It seems like a vague tip and you’re probably asking yourself what this chick is even talking about. Bear with me. When traveling to Italy you’ll find yourself amongst phenomenal people and amazing areas, but there’s also so much more than that. By being open to doing things you hadn’t planned you’ll find yourself learning more about yourself, about others and about the world. You know that museum you couldn’t get into? Well, meander down the street a ways and you’ll find a small shop with authentic, hand crafted Italian goods. Oh, and that restaurant that was overpriced? Don’t worry, get on that vespa you rented and drive yourself to that little small, family owned cafe you saw earlier in the week.

By being open you’ll turn an empty hour into a life changing moment and a week vacation into an authentic experience.

You’ll land upon scenery you could only imagine in your dreams. You’ll learn idea changing cultural similarities and differences you could never read in a book. Most of all, you’ll learn that Italy can mold you into a better person and a better woman. Set your trip to Italy up for success and be open.

Travel Italian Style is ready to help you have an open mindset while you travel through Italy.

Check out all of our upcoming tours and get ready for your next Italian adventure!

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Halie is the Travel Marketing Trends Coordinator for Travel Italian Style and is currently a senior at College of Charleston in Charleston, SC where she is majoring in English with a concentration in Creative Writing. Living in Charleston, Halie developed a love for beautiful scenery and unique culture. This love led her to her passion for travel which allows her to discover beautiful scenery and unique cultures in places all over the world. When she is not daydreaming about her next traveling adventure she can be found redoing warn out furniture found on the side of the road, writing fiction and attempting Pinterest crafts.

7 Tips to Feel Empowered Before Even Boarding That Plane

By Leora Kahn

PHOTO BY METANOYA (PHEONIX, ARIZONA)

Does your outfit really have an impact on your confidence? Sure does. Globetrotting Stiletto founder + creator, Metanoya Z. Webb, recently caught up with our very own Leora from Travel Italian Style to explore the different ways you can increase your confidence while globetrotting. Whether you’re setting out solo or finally taking that romantic baecay, keep reading for her seven essential tips.

Give Thought To Your Wardrobe

A HUGE factor in feeling confident prior to your trip, is being aware of what items you brought, and knowing how to assemble them! The key is to feel comfortable, temperature wise. Metanoya suggests climate control breezy fabrics, with a pop of color to incorporate your own style. She says, “I recommend trying on your outfits before you leave. Stand in front of your mirror and feel confident with what you bring with you. Even if you decide not to wear an outfit you brought, at least you know your options!” (We know this to be so true, right ladies?)

Be Adventurous

There are fashion statements out there that some of us are dying to experiment with. And what better time to do it, then in a foreign country, surrounded by strangers?! Metanoya advises, "If you get a positive response, that's a good thing. Just make sure you're courageous enough to rock the look when you return home."

PHOTO BY METANOYA (BANGKOK, THAILAND)

See More, Understand More

Metanoya says, “When you are abroad, make sure you soak in as much as possible. You do not know when the opportunity will present itself again, and that is super important.” She really emphasizes the willingness to just have fun. People go on these fabulous vacations in order to re-vamp their lives, to learn more about themselves, and add a bit of excitement into their day-to-day routines. Metanoya says, “Especially in Italy, take advantage of the culture and just live. You will be okay, I promise.”

PHOTO BY METANYOA (MARTINIQUE)

Women, In Particular, Need To Keep An Open Mind

We must be willing to explore, do things we would normally be afraid to do. Assess those calculated risks, and make them. Live on the wild side. I’m not talking about anything too crazy here! But don’t you dare surround yourself in a beautiful new culture and never leave the comfort of room service in your resort. After all, travel is a temporary situation, so put your reservations aside for once! Metanoya says, “Allow yourself to live, and be yourself. Especially on those girl’s trips, set your deepest fears aside, open yourself up to a whole new way of adventure and being.”

Bring Lessons Home

Travel helps you to become a more courageous person. Metanoya emphasizes taking calculated risks abroad and then incorporating that technique into your life back home. She says,  “Feel confident in your decisions and trust yourself. You’re more aware than you think.”

PHOTO BY METANOYA (DOMINICAN REPUBLIC)

Treasure The Simple Things

Metanoya likes to collect objects from her travels as a constant reminder to incorporate a piece of a destination's culture into her every day life. She collects shells and coral, for example, from coastal countries, to remind her to slow down and just chill. She recommends, "when traveling, take a moment each day to become more in tune with what you need as a human vs. what you require as a professional. You're a person first."

Take A Cooking Class!

Speaking of bringing culture back home, learn how to cook real Italian food from the source. Bring back a fabulous Italian recipe to impress your friends and family!

Overall, Metanoya advises us to collect not materialistic things, but memories. She recommends us women to consume ourselves in the relaxed and humble Italian culture, and then incorporate this into our every day lives upon returning home. Think happy, be happy.

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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!

Meet Nicole: Creative Professional, Italy Travel Enthusiast

By Halie Taylor

Nicole Bauer: An Inspiring Female Professional and a Lover of All Things Italy

After being pre-med and taking a year off, Nicole did some serious soul searching. Did she want to stay in the medicine and science route? Or was she more passionate about doing something that would allow her to be creative? In the end she pushed aside any hesitancy or fear and leaped towards a career in the creative realm. As if fate was on her side, networking and friendships led Nicole to a position with Darling Magazine where she is now Online Managing Editor as well as a freelance writer in her spare time.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NICOLE

But feeding her passion for creativity isn’t her only desire, she also loves curating her passion for travel.

Travel can become a way to get outside of your usual routine, a way to realize that your way of doing things isn’t the only way. 

This is a concept that resonates with Nicole fully as she finds travel inspiring and a way to cultivate a new views of the world. Though her travels have taken her to a variety of places, Italy has left a permanent mark on Nicole. The streets at night, the pizza, a cup of espresso-it was all magical.

There was beauty everywhere and Nicole couldn’t get enough of it. Italy afforded Nicole the opportunity to live presently and to take nothing for granted, both of which had resounding effects on her which is why she full heartedly believes women should not be afraid to travel.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NICOLE

If it’s something like finances stopping you, Nicole suggests sitting down and giving yourself a budget. Slowly cut back on things you don’t need, buy less and save more. 

Travel can provide you with such amazing experiences, so buckle down and make a budget that will allow you to set off an your next adventure. 

However, if finances are the least of your worries and instead you’re experiencing anxiety because you just aren’t sure you’re able to travel alone, there’s hope! Instead of sitting down to come up with a budget, sit down and come up with the root of this fear.

Do you always need a distraction? Is there a particular person that you just can’t travel without? Are you scared of being alone with your insecurities? Travel can not only help you overcome all of these fears, it can also help you become the women you’ve always wanted to be.

You’ll find the unique parts of yourself and learn to love who you are. Besides you don’t have to travel completely alone, there are always tour groups like Travel Italian Style ready to extend a hand and to help you be all you can be!

PHOTO COURTESY OF NICOLE

Of course, it’s also important to know the practical side of things when traveling. Yes, traveling, especially to Italy, is a magical experience, but your experience can also be magnified by the right packing essentials and social cues to fit in.

Nicole’s must have items include: stylish, worn in shoes for all of the walking to be done, a book for the plane/train ride, a nice leather bag or backpack (you want your arms free while exploring the area) and a camera whether that be a phone or a good camera because you’ll want tangible photos to remember everything by. Once you’ve arrived in Italy with all of your essentials, prepare to immerse yourself into the Italian culture.

You don’t want to be just another annoying tourist, right? Nicole suggests that Italy travelers should be ready to adjust their eating times especially when it comes to dinner. Plan to arrive around 9:00pm at restaurants and you’ll be in the midst of the locals. Oh, and did you need to pay for that shirt you just found in that cute little local store? Be sure to place your money in the dish or bowl on the counter instead of handing it directly to the cashier. Nicole also points out that you should be very aware that you speak English, but those around you may not. Try to learn a few Italian phrases and use those as you wander around. You’ll connect with the locals and the more you try out the language, the more you’ll learn.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NICOLE

Italy is filled with culture, beauty and history. The small towns and the large cities can revive your soul like you’ve never thought possible.

Nicole’s Italian experience left a lasting imprint on her, just as other women’s journeys to Italy have done the same. Travel Italian Style hopes to offer Italian tours that are life-changing and with Nicole’s tips you’ll be fully prepared to immerse yourself in all Italy has to offer.

If you're ready to strip away your fears, pack your bag of essentials and practice your newly learned Italian social tips sign up for a tour with Travel Italian Style!

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Halie is the Travel Marketing Trends Coordinator for Travel Italian Style and is currently a senior at College of Charleston in Charleston, SC where she is majoring in English with a concentration in Creative Writing. Living in Charleston, Halie developed a love for beautiful scenery and unique culture. This love led her to her passion for travel which allows her to discover beautiful scenery and unique cultures in places all over the world. When she is not daydreaming about her next traveling adventure she can be found redoing warn out furniture found on the side of the road, writing fiction and attempting Pinterest crafts.