Anyone who has read more than three posts on My Bella Vita knows I am obsessed with a few things … Italy, Calabria, my nephew Cole (but that is a story for another day) and traveling!

When I’m not traveling, I’m thinking about my next vacation, welcoming others to their vacation at our B&B or dishing out advice to Calabria-bound travelers.

Today, I am happy to introduce you to my kindred spirit up in Liguria.

Megan of Bella Vita Italia is a full-time Italy travel consultant, vacation planner and wedding coordinator who has spent the last five and a half years in the Italian Riviera. I interviewed her last week about her job and (lucky) you get to read about it today.

1. You and I have a lot in common, Megan. We were both event planners in America, are married to super-cute Italian boys and chose similar names for our expat blogs. The difference is, you always knew you wanted to live in Italy. What finally motivated your move to the bel paese?

We do have a lot in common! As for finally making the big move, I literally woke up one morning and said to myself, “If I don’t do it now, I’ll never do it.” I quit my job and put the wheels in motion. Six months later I was here for good.

2. You started Bella Vita Italia in 2004 as a travel concierge to assist travelers with their Italian vacations. What is the most rewarding part of that job?

The most rewarding thing is when people tell me it was the trip of a lifetime-I love that!- or when they thank me for not making them “think” too much.  Another satisfaction is planning “off the beaten path” trips. I recently had clients do a trip to Puglia and Sicily and I really enjoyed the research that went into it.

3. I have to ask … what is the hardest, or shall we say, least glamorous part of your job?

The hours. People think because it’s a fun job, it can’t be hard, but there are times when I am on the computer 12-15 hours a day or when I am juggling seven sets of clients at once-like right now!

I guess you could say the “behind the scenes” part is not so glamorous. Then there’s the accounting, ugh.

4. You give your phone number to clients, offering them a 24/7 lifeline when they are in Italy. You just added vacation rentals and weddings to your repertoire. Uhm, Megan … when do you sleep?

Absolutely I give them my number, and in many cases I provide them with an Italian cell phone. As for the new services, I’ve been doing both on a limited basis for a few years now. I know it seems like a lot, but thankfully I am organized. (Although I do sleep a bit more from November – March!)

5. What are some of the most memorable vacations and weddings you have planned?

There have been many, but recently I had clients staying in Le Cinque Terre for three months who had eight different groups of guests visiting them. I organized all of their excursions, cooking and eating events and transportation. In a way, it was like working as a concierge for a small hotel, but they were so kind that it was a pleasure to be so busy.

The other one was a wedding I did in a thousand-year-old tower overlooking the sea in Portovenere. It was such fun to plan and the wedding couple and mother of the bride were wonderful to work with. At the end of the evening, the bride turned to me and said, “Thank you for making my dream come true.” That was better than any paycheck I could receive!

If you are planning a trip to Italy and are interested in a travel consultant, visit Bella Vita Italia or contact Megan directly for details.

Thank you, Megan for chatting with us today … and everyone else, buon weekend!

* Photos courtesy of Megan, Bella Vita Italia