Here are five Calabrian travel tips that will help you make the most of your trip to southern Italy.

1. Properly Pack your Day Bag
Most people use some sort of day pack when they are traveling and having one in Calabria is definitely a good idea. However, as opposed to major cities where you can easily pick up something you forgot, you’ll need to pack everything you need, while keeping you bag as light as possible. A few things I always have in my bag are Tylenol or other medications, tissues, chap stick, water, light snacks, my camera, an ID, wallet and coins. If you are carrying a guide book, tear out (or make copies) of the pages you need and leave the heavy books at home.

2. Carry Sunscreen and Mosquito Repellant
Speaking of what to put in a day bag, you should also be armed with sunscreen and mosquito repellant. The skeeters are fierce around here-as is the sun. So make like a boyscout and be prepared!

3. Wear good socks and comfortable shoes
Unless you plan to get to a beach and stay there, you’ll likely do a fair amount of walking during your Calabria vacation. Many of the villages have uneven brick streets and the lungomares are unfriendly to tired feet. Wear good socks and comfortable shoes to avoid getting blisters.

4. Pack your own beach towel
If you are staying in a hotel or B&B that is *on* the beach they might have towels available for you to use. Or they might not. Pack your own beach towel or plan to buy one-a nice souvenir of your trip perhaps?-from one of the strolling salesmen on the beach.

5. Don’t Over-plan your Itinerary
It is true that Calabria is less touristy than other parts of the bel paese, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be crowded. In the summer, the beaches fill up with northern Italians, Calabrians who have “come home” for the summer and the locals who wait all year to hit the beach. If you over-plan your itinerary, you’ll likely get stressed by slow-moving traffic or transportation delays and you’ll feel rushed and frustrated throughout your trip. If you aren’t sure if you’ve planned the best itinerary, then the Trip Doctor itinerary review service - just $100 when you are spending thousands on a vacation – can give you peace of mind and ensure you are making the best possible decisions for your southern Italy trip.

Are you heading to Calabria? Click here to see how I can help you plan your trip.

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Welcome, Fiona.

Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean and is located to the south of Genoa and Corsica and to the west of Naples. Although technically part of Italy, the island of Sardinia has a fascinating history, as well as its own unique cultural quirks.

Cagliari is the island’s capital. It takes its name from the Sardinian word Casteddu, meaning castle. The city’s location provides stunning views over the Gulf of Cagliari. Save some camera memory though – other great sights worth seeing in Cagliari include the Basilica di San Saturnino, the Sardinian Archaeological Museum, as well as Poetto Beach which is just a short drive away with a Sardinia car rental and offers 13 kilometers of beautiful sandy beaches.

Meanwhile, should you decide to head north (recommended) you will pass close to the town of Barumini. Situated next to the town, you will find Nuraghe. This is one of the most important and famous archaeological and megalithic monuments in Sardinia.

This won’t be the only ancient historical site that you’ll encounter. Sardinia’s history runs deep. Heading northeast for around 90 kilometers, you will arrive at Nuoro. Here you’ll see evidence of ancient settlements that can be traced back to 2000 BC. This area is considered to be the cultural essence of the island and is one of the most important stops you’ll see if you are touring Sardinia. If you are visiting here during August, it may also be possible to attend the colourful Sagra del Redentore festival which is famous for its traditional music.

Driving north for another 100 kilometers you’ll arrive at Olbia. While in town, it’s also possible to check out the 11th century Cathedral of San Simplicio. Located nearby, you’ll see Tavolara Island which is popular with scuba divers. Meanwhile, to the north of Olbia, you’ll find a village called Palau which is favoured by kite flyers and windsurfers because of the strong winds that blow between Sardinia and Corsica.

Driving back to Olbia and traveling west for around 100 kilometers, you will arrive at Sassari. Sassari is the second largest town in Sardinia and is also one of the oldest settlements on the island. To this day, you can still spot some 13th century towers from the city, along with the pretty church of Santa Maria di Bétlam and Cathedral of St. Nicholas of Bari.

Time to spare? Just a short drive to the northwest of Sassari, you’ll come to Porto Torres. It is thought that this colony was founded during Roman times by Julius Caesar. If you’re wondering what the Romans ever did for us, you’ll find many fine Roman ruins in the area, including aqueducts, sewers, thermal baths, a forum and some temples.

Heading south, you’ll reach Alghero located to the west coast of the island. This is the perfect place to relax, as this area is known for its wonderful beaches. The town has the unusual distinction of being a Catalan town on an Italian island. Some even call it little Barcelona. The narrow winding streets and decidedly bohemian atmosphere of the old town make it easy to see how it earned this title.

Before heading to the beaches, take some time out to explore the Palazzo D’Albis, Neptune’s Grotto and the areas around Anghelu Ruju and Nuraghe Palmavera.

The coast road from Alghero to Bosa is an obvious option for a scenic drive due to the stunning surroundings and fantastic beaches. There should also be a special mention to Bosa Marina Beach as it was chosen as Italy’s cleanest beach a number of times. Bosa itself has a number of interesting sights to be seen including Castello Malaspina, a castle that overlooks the town, as well as Corso Vittorio Emmanuele which is the main street in the old town. Just like it’s Milanese counterpart, you’ll find many interesting shops and buildings located along here.

Good to know:

When driving in Sardinia, the speed limit is 50 kilometers per hour on the open road and between 90 kilometers per hour and 130 kilometers per hour on the motorway.

Fiona Hilliard is a travel writer and blogger for award-winning car rental site ArgusCarHire.com. When not writing about car rental Sardinia she can be found writing travel tips on the site’s Glove Box Blog.

Are you heading to Calabria? Click here to see how I can help you plan your trip.

Intimidating, huh?

As soon as our bambino was home and the doctor approved him for travel, I began planning our first international trip. There were passports to be ordered, flights to book, baby bassinets to be reserved … I wasn’t sure where to start.

I’ve been a frequent international traveler for the last 11 years and am comfortable in most air travel situations. But I gotta tell you, I was scared to death to travel solo with a two month old.

When you are single, you don’t pay much attention to changing tables, strollers or lap seat children (unless they are bawlin’ in your ear on an 8-hour flight) and for the first time in more than a decade, I was worried about flying. So, I did what any good expat mom would do … I emailed my expat mom friends for help.

And mamma mia did they come through!

I’d like to take a moment to give a big shout out to Vanessa and Hilary in Messina and Michelle (Viva la Pappa) and Joanne (Frutto della Passione) in Milan for all of their emails, tips and tricks for traveling with babies.

Here’s a bit of what they told me and a few tips I picked up along the way.

1. Be Prepared!
One thing that all of the expert mom travelers told me was that being prepared would make a world of difference. And it did. Hilary told me to pack easy snacks for myself (since my hands would be full during the trip), Vanessa told me to pack a few extra pairs of baby pants in case he got dirty, Joanne advised me to carry one diaper per hour of the trip (excessive, yes, she said, but better safe than sorry!) and Michelle taught me a neat trick involving a kitchen sponge, dish washing liquid and a Ziploc bag (for on-the-spot cleaning of bottles, pacifiers or other toys.)

They also advised me to give him a pacifier (or something else to suck on) for take-offs and landings. I did-and he traveled like a champ, only crying briefly on the first of six landings.

2. Don’t Expect Help
All of the girls, along with Jen, my Irish expat friend in Catanzaro, warned me not to expect help.

“Allow yourself plenty of time and carry him in whatever is most convenient for you,” they told me.

So I did.

I debated whether I should take his stroller or carry him in a Baby Bjorn and in the end opted to have two free arms. Perhaps it was because my son was *so* young (he was two months old, but because he’d been premature, he only weighed eight pounds), but I was offered help every. step. of the. way. Which brings me to Tip #3 … .

3. Accept Help!
As an independent traveler, your instinct might be to play tough or refuse assistance during your travels, but as a solo-travelin’ mom with baby in tow, I’ll tell you … accept that help.

From before I stepped through security in Lamezia (when a Roman family toted my carry-on and pushed me to the front of the line) to our second flight (from Rome to Frankfurt) when a young American man stopped the flow of passengers and put up my bag to our third flight (Frankfurt to Houston), where the flight attendant carried my bags to the front of the plane … I had help all of the way.

I know I was lucky with the good-natured travelers I met, so I’m sending positive travel karma vibes to them with this post (and urging you all to pay-it-forward, should you see a single traveling parent with a child who might need an extra hand.)

I’m interested to see how traveling with a child will evolve, how things will be different when he is six months, 12 months, 36 months … for I know each age will bring a new set of travel-related issues. But I feel good about it. I trust myself and my new traveling mom instincts and will hope for the best. And let’s face it. Hilary, Vanessa, Michelle, Joanne and Jen all have kids older than mine anyway. So, if I get stuck, I’ll just call for reinforcement and know that no matter how long a flight may seem, that plane will land and we’ll get there … eventually.

What other tips do you have for new moms (and dads) traveling with their babies?

Until next time … Buon Viaggio!

Traveling south? Click here to see how I can help you plan your trip to Calabria or southern Italy.

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We hit on this a bit last month when Anne from New Jersey wanted me to compare car rentals vs private car services, but sometimes personal preferences or budget restraints prevent either.

Today’s question addresses what you can see in Calabria if you can’t get a car.

Cherrye-

Can you suggest a tour of the best villages/towns accessible by train or bus for a one or two day trip?

Lee

Thanks, Lee. While it is true that I would never recommend someone visit Calabria without a car, I can appreciate the fact that renting a car isn’t always a viable option.

For the purposes of this question, Lee, I’m going to assume you are heading south (ie, from the Naples area, rather than from Sicily or Puglia) via train. If that’s the case, you’ll want to minimize your train time-and maximize your beach time-by visiting a village in northern Calabria.

I just wrote about Scalea, a charming seaside town on the Tyrrhenian coast. In addition to having that fortified fortress and sandy beaches, the train station is located within easy walking distance to all of the best sights and there is plenty to keep you busy there for a few days.

If you’d like to venture a tad farther south, then consider Diamante. One of my favorite guides-and restauranteurs-is based there and we can arrange a one or two-day escorted tour where he can help you explore the ruins at Cirella, guide you through the murals in Diamante, introduce you to local wines and share some Calabrian cuisine secrets with private cooking lessons and/or lunch.

I hope that helps, Lee.

Do you have a southern Italy-related travel question you want answered? If so, let me know and your question could be featured here at My Bella Vita. If you’d like help planning your trip, then consider a custom itinerary or travel consult to ensure you have the trip of your lifetime!

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Think a southern Italian summer is all about bathing suits and beach towels? Well … in a way, it is. Beaches are the number one attraction for many southern Italy-bound travelers and even if beach-bumming is not your thing, you will likely want to pack a swim suit … should you change your mind. Additionally, here are five other things to wear so you can fit in with the locals and be comfortable throughout your trip.

1. Sleeveless Tops with Layers
Sleeveless tops and tank tops are perfectly acceptable for southern Italian summers, but you will often see Italians layer a short-sleeved sweater or jacket over their top … just to be cute. Men can wear short-sleeved t-shirts (solid colors work best) or polo-style shirts.

2. Sandals or lightweight Tennis Shoes
Finally … a season where southern Italians will wear open-toed shoes, so feel free to pack your sandals or even a lightweight pair of tennis shoes for your trip.

3. Lightweight Pants and Skirts
Although there is still a breeze in many areas of southern Italy, packing lightweight cotton pants and skirts will help you keep cool. As with other seasons, Italians are very well put together and over-sized pants or bulky skirts aren’t really the norm.

4. Shorts (with care)
A couple of years ago I’d have said to leave your shorts at home, however they are gaining in popularity here in southern Italy and you regularly see locals out and about in shorts. However … and there is a big however, they wear dressy shorts and/or typically tuck their shirts in and use a belt. Even in shorts, southern Italians are stylish.

5. Sunglasses
Yes, southern Italians wear sunglasses year-round, but if you are visiting in the summer months, you’ll definitely want to pack a pair of your favorite sunglasses-or pick up a pair at a local market-to help you fit in. Not only will they help protect your eyes from the gllaring Mezzogiorno sun, but you will also look stylish when you are at the beach, touring villages or engaging in my favorite summer pastime … eating gelato!

What else would you suggest travelers wear if they visit southern Italy in the summertime?

Be sure to check out Robin’s travel tips this week at My Melangè.

Until next time … Buon Viaggio!

Traveling to southern Italy? Click here to see how I can help you plan your trip to Calabria or southern Italy.

Photos: Two Wheels Blog

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So, I was happy when Anne in New Jersey wrote me asking my opinion on rental cars vs. car service.

Here’s her question.

Cherrye-

We plan to use a car service from Lamezia Terme rail station to Bottricello (near Catanzaro). I have been in contact with one of our Calabrese family members and I hope he will drive us to Sellia one day so we can see the town our family was from. I plan to use a car service for all other excursions.

Does that sound reasonable? I wanted to try to avoid driving if possible.

Thank you for your question, Anne. I certainly understand your concern about driving in southern Italy and am happy to offer my opinion on rental cars vs. car service.

If you are wondering whether it is possible to use a car service for rail / airport transfers and a few day trips, the short answer is “Yes. It is.”

But is it reasonable? Hmmm …. I’m not so sure.

In your case, Anne, you are traveling to a non-touristy village where you hope to interact with your Calabrese family. If they are like most Calabrians-and why wouldn’t they be?-they’ll be more than happy to drive you to Sellia and they’ll likely want to show you around their part of Calabria.

However, you don’t *really* know them and chances are, you might want to see other parts of the region-parts you aren’t comfortable asking them to drive to. Also, in a non-touristy place like Sellia or Bottricello, you might be surprised at the lack of shopping or dining options.

Yes, a car service can take you on day trips … rates I’ve seen range from €150-€200 per day for an English-speaking driver and you are limited to nine hours, which means if you leave in the morning, you’d be dropped off before dinner, preventing you from trying some of the best restaurants in the region or slowing down on day trips and excursions that are more time-consuming.

To sum it up … if you have an unlimited budget, then a combination car service and cabs might work for you. Otherwise, I stand firm on my belief that a rental car is the only way to go.

Thanks again, Anne.

Do you have a southern Italy-related travel question you want answered? If so, let me know and your question could be featured here at My Bella Vita. If you’d like help planning your trip, then consider a custom itinerary or travel consult to ensure you have the trip of your lifetime!

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Today’s question(s) are helpful for first time Italy-bound travelers AND those with roots in Calabria might find the answers especially helpful.

Diane from Indiana wrote:

Cherrye,

My daughter and I are planning to make a trip to Italy in June 2012. When do we need to start planning? I just don’t know what to do first, and when to do the serious, “make reservations”, book flights, find rental cars.

I want to see Calabria. This will probably be the only time I get to Italy, and I want to see where my Grandparents are from: the house they lived in (if it’s possible to find that info), the views they saw from their windows, the streets they walked on.

I’m thinking since it’s such a small town, there may not be anyone there who speaks English, and unfortunately, I speak no Italian. What would we do about communication in such a small town?

We hope to get to Catazaro while we’re there too and would love to stay at your bed and breakfast. Any information you can give me as to when to start planning would be very helpful.

Thank you for your question, Diane. I am happy to offer my two centesimi on when you should start planning and I think you’ll find some of my new services helpful for visiting your ancestral villages next summer.

First things first, let’s talk about when you should start planning, or rather, when you should start making reservations and booking your trip. Since you found my site, you are likely already thinking about where you want to go, you’ve read up on what there is to see and do in Calabria and you might already know how you plan to arrive (via northern Italy, directly into Calabria, etc.)

As to when to start booking? That varies from person to person. I’ve had clients book six days out, which is not ideal if you are picky about hotels and/or want your first choice of everything. I’ve also been contacted up to 18 months out … a bit long, in my opinion.

In my experience the best time for families or individuals to start securing hotels, excursions and other trip details is six months before their trip. Groups will need more time.

Regarding tracing your family’s roots … yep, we can help with that. We have a network of guides and translators we work with who can go into your ancestral village before you arrive in Calabria to research your lineage. Then, once you are here, they’ll return to your village, show you around, introduce you to people and help you communicate with the locals. Although there are never any promises, our guides have had huge success in finding living family members and creating those once-in-a-lifetime moments like you described.

Thanks again, Diane. If you and your daughter need any assistance with your itinerary, I’d love to help you plan your trip.

Do you have a southern Italy-related travel question you want answered? If so, let me know and your question could be featured here at My Bella Vita. If you’d like help planning your trip, then consider a custom itinerary or travel consult to ensure you have the trip of your lifetime!

It is a common myth that southern Italy boasts year-round warmness and even in the springtime, temps drop and it gets downright chilly. If you are planning to visit southern Italy this spring, here are four things you can wear so that you will fit in with the locals, look stylish and still be comfortable.

1. Layers
Spring is one of the most unpredictable seasons in southern Italy, so plan on layering your tops with cotton shirts, long-sleeve t-shirts and sweaters and you’ll be ready for any occasion. You might also want to throw in a spring scarf to add to the mix.

2. Comfy, Closed-toed Shoes
Although in Texas, we wear flip flops or open-toed sandals most of the year, southern Italians wear closed-toed shoes until they are ready to go to the beach. I’ve actually lost count of how many of my Italians friends have commented on my open-toed shoes, even on warm spring days in April or May.

3. Sweaters
Depending on where you are going in southern Italy, the nights will likely get pretty cool, so pack a sweater or light jacket you can use for your nightly passeggiata with the locals.

4. Pants
Even if you are lucky enough to have some mild-weather days during your trip, you won’t see many-if any-Italians in shorts. Although they are gaining in popularity here in southern Italy, most Italians only wear them in the summer. Skirts are also acceptable, as are dark-colored jeans.

What else would you suggest travelers wear if they visit southern Italy in the spring?

Be sure to check out Robin’s travel tips this week at My Melangè.

Until next time … Buon Viaggio!

Traveling to southern Italy? Click here to see how I can help you plan your trip to Calabria or southern Italy.

Photos: The Epoch Times

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Today’s question comes from Michele in Chicago, a lovely young woman with a Calabrese mother-in-law who I’ve corresponded with before (thus, her email has been edited to include only the pertinent questions.)

Question:

Hello Cherrye,

How are you? Hope all is well. We have booked our tickets and will be visiting family in Nusco / Avellino in March, but would like to travel south for a few days. We are thinking about Matera, Maratea, Tropea and Bari. Do you have any thoughts between Maratea and Tropea?

Both look beautiful in pictures. Maratea is conveniently located within a loop of our relations but I’m not sure it is “open for business” during our stay which is the last week of March.

Thank you for any help you can offer. Any thoughts are welcome.

Cherrye’s Thoughts:

Auguri on your upcoming trip, Michele. Matera, Maratea, Tropea and Bari are all beautiful, interesting places to visit. I’m sure you and your family will have a great time there.

To answer your question, there are a ton of places between Maratea and Tropea that would make a good stopping point for your trip. Scalea is south of Maratea and while it isn’t even close to halfway between the two-it is much closer to Maratea than Tropea-it is one of my favorite seaside villages in Calabria.

If you want to head inland, you could consider visiting one of the villages in either the Pollino or Sila National Parks. Civita, with its Albanian influence and natural beauty, is a particularly interesting place.

If you’d like to get farther south before you stop, then Amantea and Falerna both have pretty beaches and of course, Pizzo Calabro is just 30-45 minutes north of Tropea and is a popular resort town with an interesting history-and fabulous gelato!

Thank you so much for your question, Michele and as odd as this sounds … thank you for thanking me for my response. Your courtesy sure was appreciated!

Do you have a southern Italy-related travel question you want answered? If so, let me know and your question could be featured here at My Bella Vita. If you’d like help planning your trip, then consider a custom itinerary or travel consult to ensure you have the trip of your lifetime!

I made note of their experiences and compiled them into a Calabria travel tips eguide that I’ve been selling here on My Bella Vita for the last year. Still, I notice there are about five mistakes that keep popping up.

Here are five of the biggest mistakes travelers make when visiting southern Italy.

1. They get uptight
I’ve written about how your attitude can make or break your trip and I am a firm believer that attitude is everything when you are visiting southern Italy. Southern Italy isn’t like its northern counterparts that might cater a bit more to tourists. Keep that in mind when you are visiting the south and try to appreciate and all of her charm.

2. They tip
I’d run out of room if I listed every expat here who has tried to teach the traveling tourist about tipping, yet I think it bears repeating. You don’t tip in southern Italy. You don’t tip in southern Italy. Seriously … you don’t tip in southern Italy. No one is going to look at you funny or think you are cheap. In fact, they’ll think you unsavvy if you insist.

3. They think they can eat whenever they want
I know it is hard to visit a new place and not make certain assumptions based on your life “back home.” That being said, southern Italy isn’t like America. The culture, customs and habits of the locals are different and so, dear southern Italy traveler, so are their mealtimes. If you arrive in the mid-afternoon, don’t expect to find a restaurant open for a late lunch … and you can forget about an early dinner.

4. They assume that because Rick Steves hasn’t written about it … it’s not worth seeing
A lot of independent travelers will tell you they want to get “off of the beaten path” and explore real Italy. However, when you ask them about their preferences and recommend obscure villages, restaurants or hotels … they aren’t always on board. I know it is hard to know where to go in southern Italy … that’s where a local travel consultant can make the difference.

5. They aren’t prepared
Ok. I’m gonna admit to having a not-so little pet peeve when it comes to travelers I’ve met in southern Italy. Time and time again, I’ve heard them say, “We know there is nothing to do here (in Calabria), we just wanted to see the village where my so-in-so was born.” Or, sometimes, “We have seen everything there is to see here, so we are going to head back (up to Rome),” … to which I want to respond, “I’ve lived here four years and haven’t seen EVERYTHING … there’s no way you saw it in three days.”

But I don’t.

What I did, however, was create a Catanzaro and surrounding areas e-book to give away (for free) to every English-speaking guest who books a room at our B&B. My hope is that it will help them prepare a bit more for their central Calabria vacation and that they’ll know there is a lot to do and see here … even if Mr. Steves hasn’t made it down.

For more tourist mistakes, see what Sara had to say over at Ms. Adventures in Italy.

What other mistakes do you see tourists making in southern Italy?

Be sure to check out Robin’s travel tips this week at My Melangè.

Until next time … Buon Viaggio!

Traveling to southern Italy? Click here to see how I can help you plan your trip to Calabria or southern Italy.

So, yes. I accepted. Even though Lulu couldn’t ship to Italy, they agreed to let me create a photo book for my nephew and I waited to write the review until after my mother had received and critically examined the book.

I’ve divided my review of the book-making process and final product into five categories and as you’ll see from my notes, I thoroughly enjoyed the project.

1. Options
A few years ago I created a photo book through one of Lulu’s competitor sites and so it makes sense that as I built this book, I instinctively compared the two sites. While Lulu has hundreds of options, ranging from size of book, hardcover vs. paperback, number of pages, over 20 themes, cover designs and inside layouts, I felt like I had more control over individual pages with the other site.

That being said, Lulu has more than enough options to keep you browsing for hours and since I had a self-imposed time line for completing this project, I appreciated the simplicity.

2. Ease of Creating Photo Book
Speaking of simplicity, one of the most time-consuming aspects to creating a photo book is uploading your photos. Lulu takes the stress out of this by allowing their users to upload photos directly from Flickr, Facebook, Photobucket or SmugMug. If you don’t have a photo account with any of these sites, you can also upload photos directly from your computer.

The “Lulu Studio” software automatically saves your work, so you don’t have to worry about spending hours on the project and then losing it and you can easily “undo” or “redo” photo placement as you progress through the project.

You can also quickly change the size, theme or number of pages, allowing you to play around with the design or change your mind without losing your work.

3. Customer Service / Shipping
While it isn’t exactly “personal” customer-service oriented, I love that their software warns you if your photo won’t print well. Additionally, I had a great experience with the intern I worked with on my photo book. She contacted me immediately when she learned of a shipping hiccup (FedEx, not them), contacted FedEx with an updated address and the book was delivered the next day.

She also included a personal thank you note with my order, which I loved. I’m a sucker for details.

4. Price / Value
The books are less than $20.00 for a 8.5X8.5 square hardcover book with 20 pages. This is about 25% less than I paid for the last photo book I ordered and from what I hear-thanks, Mom!-it is better quality.

5. Final Product
As I mentioned earlier, I had to rely on a third-party inspector to scrutinize the final product and compare it to the last photo book I made … and she loved it. The photos were clean and crisp, the cover page was classy and “expensive-looking,” … her words, not mine and she highly recommends them to anyone in the market for a new photo book.

So … are you in the market for a new photo book? If so, you are in luck. Not only did Lulu ask me to create a photo book, but they are also giving away one 20-page 8.5X8.5 square photo book to a My Bella Vita reader. Here are the contest rules:

1. Leave a comment on *this post* by Friday, December 17 at noon, Italy time. Your comment can be anything, but I’d really love to know what kind of photo book you’d create if you win.

2. Tweet the contest for an additional entry and leave a separate comment telling me you did.

3. Repost and/or “like” this post on Facebook for a third entry and leave a separate comment telling me you did.

4. A random drawing will be held on Friday afternoon and the winner will be notified so (s)he can begin working on their photo book before the holidays.

The book can only be shipped to a US address.

In bocca al lupo and Happy Holidays!

** Congratulations to Sabrina Sattler for winning the $25 gift certificate to Daryll Capparelli’s ItalianThings store at Zazzle.

Traveling to southern Italy? Click here to see how I can help you plan your trip to Calabria or southern Italy.

With that in mind, I welcome my Travel Feeder friend, Cecil.

Welcome!

Many people travel to a new country without giving thought as to what they’re going to see, where they are going to go and what they hope to “get” out of the trip. While it is possible to travel to a country like Italy-and still fall in love with it-without much prep, a little pre-planning can enhance your experience. Here are five tips for prepping for your southern Italian vacation.

1. Learn some History. You don’t necessarily need to know the thousands of years of Italian history to be able to appreciate what you are going to see, but knowing more about Rome’s Coliseum, Campania’s Pompeii and Matera in Basilicata, for example, will help you appreciate what you see in a whole new way.

2. Learn the language. I had some problems when I traveled to Italy because contrary to what many travelers might think-all Italians don’t speak English. Learning some important Italian words and phrases, especially coffee terms, menu items, numbers and basic directions will help you have a better experience in southern Italy.

3. Pick up some culture. It is more fun to travel to Italy when you have an idea about how Italians dress, what and how they eat, the type of music or movies they like and how they enjoy spending their evenings. While it is true that many traditions are regional, reading blogs or guidebooks written by people who live or travel often to the country will help prepare you for your trip.

4. Prepare to fight mix with the locals. Italians are generally outspoken and straight-forward when they speak, so while us foreigners might not be used to yelling, it is perfectly normal in Italy. Be prepared to “fight” back and have fun speaking (loudly) to the Italians.

5. Pack your telephoto lens. This is the most important thing I missed out on during my Italy trip. Instead of packing a telephoto lens, I planned to travel light and missed some really great shots. The architecture, monuments and sculptures in Italy are amazing and every minute detail is worth a shot. Without a telephoto lens, I could only capture the big picture and I missed out on details.

What else do you do to prepare for a trip?

Cecil Lee is an avid traveler who is also a passionate travel blogger and travel photographer living in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He writes about travel on his travel photo blog, Travel Feeder.

Until next time … Buon Viaggio!

Be sure to check out Robin’s travel tips this week at My Melangè.

Traveling to southern Italy? Click here to see how I can help you plan your trip to Calabria or southern Italy.

Photos: Cecil Lee

In honor of our 3rd anniversary, I’m going to share some tips that have kept us sane-and happy!-in our travels.

1. Compromise the Planning
It is hard for two independent people who are, ahem, used to calling all of the shots, to learn to compromise their travel plans. I often find myself wanting to squeeze in extra vacation days, especially when we are traveling to Texas to see my family and friends, while my husband tends to worry over the details … you know, like paying for the trip and closing our business.

We’ve gotten really good at understanding each other’s motivations and the last few Christmas trips we took started later than I’d have liked (we didn’t get to Texas until December 22 or 23!) but lasted for more than a month.

2. Help Each Other Prep
Whether they are working to get ahead for their job, planning who will take the pets and get the mail or worrying that everything is in place, most people are ultra busy before a big trip. When you are traveling solo, you have to take care of all of the details. When you are traveling as a couple … yes, you do have some help, but there are also two people, with two sets of “lists” that have to be finished before you leave town.

When we are in the final prep stages before a big trip, my husband and I share our lists, divide them and conquer ‘em. This helps each of us feel like we are getting help, relaxes us before the trip and ensures no one starts our vacation with resentment or hurt feelings.

3. Take it Easy
… on each other, I mean. Yes, traveling is exhilarating, fun and exciting but it is also stressful. Before we set out for an international flight, which when we go to Texas means three flights, two layovers and oftentimes an overnight somewhere, we pledge to have a good attitude and not add unneeded stress to each other. At some point, usually when one of us gets too-easily agitated or moody, this turns into a joke and we laughingly remind the other one that they broke the rule.

This doesn’t work all of the time and no, it doesn’t eliminate travel-related stress, but I think our attitudes are what got us through the DC Blizzard last year with flight delays, an unplanned night near the airport and two new, unexpected flight connections in happy spirits.

What other tips do you have for couples who travel together?

Be sure to check out Robin’s travel tips this week at My Melangè.

Until next time … Buon Viaggio!

Traveling to southern Italy? Click here to see how I can help you plan your trip to Calabria or southern Italy.

Photos: Cecil Lee

I received an email from Matt Kachinsky, a Tuscany-based expat who consults for villa and B&B owners in the area. Needless to say, we had a bit in common. We agreed to exchange guest posts and he is here today to share some tips on choosing a villa in Tuscany.

Benvenuto, Matt!

***

There is little arguing over the beauty of Tuscan villas. Spending a couple of weeks in one of these homes during the summer is a perfect way to enjoy quality-time with your family and relax in Tuscan comfort. However, there are some things you should consider before booking a Tuscan villa.

Plan Ahead
Unfortunately Tuscan villas are extremely popular, which makes them hard to get. The fact that many owners only accept weekly reservations starting on Saturday makes things even more difficult, so avoid booking your villa for a last-minute stay.

Last minute offers are not always available for these properties, and an early planner is likely to get a good price. Booking one year of advance will get you the current year’s rental price, plus you will have plenty of choice during cheaper mid-season weeks (April to June, September), which are less crowded and often have better weather. The low season usually allows for rental periods that are not strictly weekly and can start any day of the week, however, the weather can be a risk. Finally, if your stay is longer than one week, do not forget to ask for a deal on your additional weeks.

Is your villa ready for kids?
Tuscan villas are usually filled with valuable items, such as antique furniture or costly appliances. For this reason each owner will apply a refundable damage deposit. Ask yourself if your kids are ready for such an experience, otherwise ask the owner to remove the most valuable items before your arrival. If this is impossible, consider purchasing travel insurance that will cover damages to third parties.

When you get there
Italian appliances may be totally unfamiliar to you. While they are not complicated, it may get you a little while to get the gist of ovens, dishwashers, dryers, washers and so forth. Just let the owner know you are not familiar with her appliances before departure and ask for English-language instructions. It is common for owners to show you around the villa upon arrival explaining how things work. This is a time while you are just recuperating from your trip, and everything is new, so ask for the owner’s phone number in case you forget something or in case of emergency.

It is also good to know that Tuscan villas have high electricity consumption volumes. While all utilities are usually included, there may be a maximum limit beyond which you will have to pay for your consumption. The cost of air conditioning is not always included. Ask before you book to avoid unexpected expenses.

Air Conditioning
Tuscan villas are very old buildings and when they were built air conditioning had not even been invented! In order to avoid heat loss their walls were constructed with stones and layers of dirt to form a thick and insulating barrier. This way summer heat was kept outside by closing windows and panes during the day, while the cool night air was allowed in after dark. Even now, many villas in Tuscany do not have air conditioning for this reason. However, if this is a must-have for you, ask before booking.

Finally some spare advice: grocery stores and towns are usually within walking distance; garbage bins are located along roads and may be remote from your villa; linen and towels are usually included in your rent and they usually change them weekly; as a rule of thumb swimming pools are open from mid-May until the end of September; apart from pizza, food delivery is not available; your DVDs will not work since Italian players are coded for another region; and finally, remember to ask the owner for a starter-pack on your grocery shopping, as you will likely check in on a Saturday evening and shops will not be open until the next Monday.

What other things should you look for when choosing a villa in Tuscany?

Matt Kachinsky lives and works in Italy where he visits many Tuscan villas consulting for owners who wish to better their services for their vacation rental customers.

Traveling south after you visit Tuscany? Click here to see how I can help you plan the southern Italy section of your trip.

Italians are known around the world for their fashion sense and style, and this is no different when the weather turns cool. Autumn and winter are great months to travel in Italy, especially if you’re hitting the big cities and want to avoid the crowds. Since winter weather can be unpredictable in Italy, it’s best to pack layers. Here are five words that will come in handy while traveling (and shopping!) in Italy during the winter.

1. Sciarpa

If you’ve traveled to Italy before, then you already know about the love affair Italians have with scarves. While you’ll spot them wearing sciarpe throughout the year, when the weather starts getting cooler they become de rigueur. (Wait … that’s French!) Fortunately, finding a beautiful sciarpa in Italy is easy, which means you can fit right in with the locals with this easy fashion accessory. Stop by any market and you’ll find an array of choices, often without breaking the bank!

2. Giaccone

Just like in English, there are many words in Italian to describe coats. A giacca is lighter weight coat, more like what we would call a jacket in English, while a giaccone is a heavier winter coat. If you’re traveling to southern Italy where it can be rainy during the winter months, packing a giaccone impermeabile, or waterproof coat, is a good idea. You might also hear the word cappotto used for coat or overcoat, and giubbino or giubbotto used to describe jackets. I’ve heard them all used on the Amalfi Coast and there are probably even more Italian words out there to describe winter coats!

3. Guanti

If you’re traveling to Italy in the winter, be sure to pack a pair of guanti, which is the rather strange sounding word for gloves in Italian. And don’t do like me and leave one of the pair in the taxi like I did when visiting Rome (in January!) two years ago. I had cold hands the rest of the day! If you have a similar mishap or forget your gloves at home, just stop by one of the many beautiful shops selling handmade leather gloves in a rainbow of colors. They make a wonderful reminder of your winter trip to Italy.

4. Cappello

Even southern Italy can be cold and windy during the winter months, so don’t forget to pack your favorite winter cappello, or hat, to keep you warm while you’re out sightseeing. Even if you’re not accustomed to wearing hats back home, you might be tempted by the beautiful hats you’ll find in shops and markets throughout Italy.

5. Stivali

No Italian winter wardrobe is complete without boots. Whether we’re talking rain boots in the south, snow boots in the north or high fashion boots in Milan, you’ll find just about every Italian—especially women—own several pairs of stivali. As soon as the weather begins to change, the windows of shoe stores fill with beautiful designs in every possible style and color. With all the choices available, you’ll quickly see why the Italians wear such great boots.

Stay warm… and happy travels to Italy this autumn & winter!

Laura Thayer is an art historian and freelance writer living on the Amalfi Coast in Campania, Italy.
She writes about travel for MNUI travel insurance and about life on the Amalfi Coast at Ciao Amalfi.

Traveling to southern Italy? Why not get coached on when and where to go by someone who lives there?

Photos: Antonio Trogu, Carlo Pecoraro and Amodiovalerio Verde, all via Flickr

Welcome, Andi.

***

As I’m writing this, I’m preparing for yet another international trip – this time, I’m heading back to south America to join my soon-to-be marido, and as always, I’m sticking to my travel packing plan.

In addition to last month’s tips that were posted at Il Cedro, here are four more tips-and a few bits of extra advice-on packing and prepping for an international trip.

Split up valuables. Since you never know who might have access to your luggage after you give it to the airline, it is always smart to split up your most important or expensive items-those that won’t fit in your carryon, that is-in different pockets or hide them inside your purses or shoes.

Take solid shampoo bars and tooth powder. These items are easy to find in US grocery stores or online and will help you stick to the quart-size liquid restrictions you are allowed in your carryon. And remember, depending on where you are going, there are some countries that ban all liquids in carryons, so solids and powders aren’t only your best option – they are your only option.

Pack delicates in a Ziploc bag. Having your underwear, socks and bras all in one place will save you time, plus you won’t have to pull your entire luggage apart to find them. Later on, you can reuse the Ziploc bags to either store things during the trip or repack items that need to be washed. Slip the Ziploc bags inside your shoes or purses to save even more space.

Bring snacks. Don’t waste countless dollars on overpriced and unhealthy airport food, instead head to a grocery store before your trip and pack some of your favorite treats. In addition to saving money, it could also help you out in a pinch. Sometimes flights don’t serve food and depending on your travel arrangements, you could arrive at an airport once the stores have all closed.

Know flying rules. While, this is not a packing tip, it is probably the most important tip of all. It will take only a few minutes of your time to look up the current rules of the airline(s) you are flying. Don’t arrive at the airport, when you are already stressed, only to be surprised to find there is a new rule you knew nothing about.

Some other helpful tips include: 1) Only taking magazines or books you don’t mind discarding; 2) Same for toiletries, try to bring mini-bottles that you might have saved from previous hotel stays; 3) Purchase a universal charger so you don’t have to pack multiples chargers that take up valuable space; 4) Download movies onto your laptop or rent some DVDs from Netflix in case your inflight entertainment is not so entertaining.

What other international packing and traveling tips have you picked up?

Don’t forget to see what travel tips Robin has today.

Until next time … Buon Viaggio!

Traveling to Calabria? Click here to see how I can help you plan your trip!

Photo: AE-J via Flickr

One thing I have thought about though, is how kids, especially toddlers, can tear up a place.

The Internet is full of advice for traveling families on how to baby-proof your hotel room, but I’m going to talk about how to ensure those B&B owners keep cooing your cutie pie.

Actually, many of these tips can be summed up in one phrase … watch your kids.

However, I know that is easier said than done. Still, think back to the time before you were a parent and imagine how you’d feel if someone let their baby destroy your house. For many B&Bers , our B&B is an extension-either physically or emotionally-of our home and most negative feelings can be avoided if guests realize and respect that.

With that in mind, here are three more specific tips on things to watch for when staying in a B&B.

1. Keys and Other Pointy Things
We have these big, antique doors at our B&B and while I wasn’t around way back when-when they were selected-I am still proud of them. We have had more than one set of guests let their children entertain themselves, either while they were checking in, having coffee or talking with other guests, with a set of keys in their hands. In addition to going after our priceless porte with the sharp end of the key, they’ve also taken a run at the walls and individual room doors.
Ouch.

2. Vases and Glasses
If your B&B has wine glasses, candy dishes or flower vases in the room, consider moving them to a place your kids can’t reach or asking the B&B owners to remove them altogether. They’ll appreciate your forethought in protecting their decorations and might be able to substitute your glasses for plastic, kid-friendly cups.

3. Food and Drink
I can’t imagine a B&B that would take offense if you or your kids eat in the room, especially if they have a small table and chairs set aside for that purpose. However, when possible, avoid eating or drinking hard-to-remove liquids on the bed. B&Bs don’t operate with the same budget as major hotels and often don’t have extra bedspreads or decorative quilts they can replace at a moment’s notice. If you drop pizza on the bedspread, the stain will be hard to remove and the B&B could be set back hundreds of euros to replace their handmade bedspreads.

Do you have any other tips for protecting your kids from the glaring, evil eye of the mean, old B&B owner? If so, leave them in the comments!

Traveling to southern Italy? Why not sign up for my newsletter to get even more inside information on living and traveling in Italy.

Last week I wrote a guest post for one of those chicks who is in the initial stages of planning a repeat trip to the bel paese, senza husbands. At Andrea Unplugged, I wrote about five steps to planning an international girlfriends’ getaway, and today, I’d like to elaborate on that theme with a few tips for planning your trip.

1. Get Involved!
Once you’ve decided on a vacation destination, get everyone involved by delegating aspects of the trip. Is one of you a wanna-be wine connoisseur? Let her research wine tours? Someone else love to cook? Put her in charge of finding a cooking class. Getting everyone involved will keep the group excited and motivated, without exhausting one person with too many trip details.

2. Split the Load
If you’ve been around My Bella Vita, you know how I feel about over-packing, but a girlfriend trip makes it easy to pack light. During one of your planning sessions, work up a packing list, then decide who will pack certain shared items. You might be able to share a laptop, hairdryer and flat iron-if you decide to pack them at all, as well as phone or camera chargers and some toiletries.

3. Agree to Disagree …
on the most important sights, that is. Chances are even if you’ve all been to Italy before, you probably haven’t seen the same sights. So agree upfront that if anything comes up and one of you can see something new and exciting you haven’t yet seen – you’ll split up for the day. Agreeing up front will ease tensions anyone might have about wanting to split from the group, while actually splitting up will keep you from feeling stressed or resentful about what you “could have” seen or done on your Italian vacation.

Want someone to plan it all for you? If you are thinking about Tuscany, why not check out Time of Your Life Tours for girlfriend trips to Tuscany. If you are heading south, ask how I can help – we just wrapped up a girlfriend’s trip of southern Italy, with stops from the Amalfi Coast to Palermo.

What other tips do you have for girls planning a getaway to Italy?

Speaking of girlfriends, why don’t you head over to My Melange and see what tips Robin has for you today.

Until next time … Buon Viaggio.

Photo: Girlfriend’s EnTourage

Calabria is serviced by three airports-Lamezia Terme International Airport, Reggio Calabria’s Aeroporto dello Stretto and the Sant’ Anna Airport in Crotone. *All three of these airports are easy to navigate and offer direct flights from major Italian destinations. Here is a breakdown of what to expect in each of Calabria’s airports.

Lamezia Terme International Airport (Airport Code: SUF)

Lamezia Terme, located in central Calabria is home to the region’s biggest and busiest airport. Still … it is all relative. The airport has flights to Italian destinations such as Rome, Milan, Venice, Torino and Bologna and international destinations in cities in Germany, France and Holland. Seasonal flights are available on AirTransat to Montreal and Toronto.

The airport has both paid and free parking lots, on-site rental car agencies, a restaurant and bar, Calabrese souvenir shops and offers paid transfers to the nearby Lamezia Terme Centrale train station.

Società Aeroportuale Calabrese S.p.A.
S. Fufemia Aeroporto
88040 Lamezia Terme (CZ)
Telephone: +39.0968.414333
Email: info@sacal.it

Aeroporto dello Stretto (Airport Code: REG)

Aeroporto dello Stretto, or Airport of the Straits, is a nice option for travelers who want to visit southern Calabria. The airport is smaller than Lamezia and offers domestic flights to places such as Rome, Milan, and Bergamo and international flights to Paris, Madrid and Malta.

The airport has two parking lots, various Calabrian-focused shops and a self-catering bar. Transfer services are available via boat, bus and car and various car rental agencies are located outside the airport.

Società di Gestione per l’Aeroporto dello Stretto
Via Provinciale Ravagnese, 11
89131 Reggio Calabria (Italy)
Telephone: +39.0965.640517
info@aeroportodellostretto.it

Aeroporto Sant’ Anna (Airport Code: CRV)

Sant’ Anna is the smallest of the three airports and is used mainly by business travelers who commute between Calabria and Rome, Milan, Bologna, Venice or Brescia. However, it is also useful for travelers to be aware of the airport, as I once saved several hundred dollars by flying into Lamezia and out of Crotone.

The airport has both free and paid parking, a small restaurant and a few shops. Car rentals and taxis are available.

Società Aeroporto S. Anna S.p.A.
S.S. 106 – Loc. S. Anna
88841 Isola di Capo Rizzuto (KR)
Telephone: +39.0962.794388
Email: aeroporto@aeroporto.kr.it

* This information was accurate at the time of publication, however routes and destinations vary by season and change often. Please verify routes by visiting the airport’s website (listed above).

Don’t forget to visit Robin at My Melange and see what travel tips she has today.

Until next time … Buon Viaggio.

Traveling south? Click here to see how I can help you plan your trip to Calabria or southern Italy.

Photos: Bakeca Milano,Wikipedia Commons and Provincia di Crotone

***I want to send a grand AUGURI to my little sister who is hitting a milestone birthday today and entering the first year in her new decade! Happy Birthday, Charlee! ***

Today’s Travel Tip Tuesday is written by my nomadic friend Andi, of My Beautiful Adventures, and is all about avoiding or eliminating travel-related stress. Welcome, Andi.

***

In the last 6 months I have been to 5 different continents and have taken several domestic trips. And believe it or not, I actually consider that a slow travel schedule! On my trips around the world I have stayed in hostels to B&Bs to luxury hotels and I have ridden in trains to boats to rickshaws. Thus, you could say that I am a bit of a travel pro.

The following are some tips I’ve picked up over the years to ensure as stress-free of a trip as possible … because if there is one thing I can guarantee you about travel, besides every trip changing your life in some amazing way, it is that you will always encounter stress of some kind.

1. Research. Now, I do not believe that before embarking on a trip every single second of every day should be planned. You must leave room for elements of surprise! However, your trip will definitely run more smoothly if you research your destination beforehand. There are copious travel websites and blogs on the internet with incredibly helpful information. Learn about the public transportation, important sites to visit, and recommended restaurants and hotels. It is also of the upmost importance to learn some key words in the language of the country you are visiting.

2. Carry a travel wallet. Buy yourself an affordable travel wallet and carry it with you to your destination. (I use this one!) Inside include your passport and/or license, a print-out of the confirmation from where you will be staying the first night, some currency of the country you are in, a phone number of a taxi service, if needed, along with other important phone numbers, and a pen. If you must go through customs, this will make the experience easier and faster.

3. Do not be ruled by fear. I get frustrated when I see article after article focusing on how to stay safe and avoid danger while traveling. Of course I think it is important to make smart decisions regarding your safety while traveling, but I also think it is important to not let fear stop you from having extraordinary and unforgettable experiences. I think it is vital to step outside your comfort zone and be open to new experiences. If it will make you feel more secure, consider purchasing trip insurance. It might help you feel more protected for your trip.

4. Use public transportation, when possible. If you have done advanced research, you will already know whether public transportation is a good option. If so, it is often the cheapest and most efficient mode on transport, not to mention it an interesting way to see a new place. Plus, you never know who you might meet along the way.

5. Pamper yourself. If you do find yourself stressed while traveling, take some time or even a day to either indulge by going to a spa or seeing a movie. Sometimes a quick break from “being on the road” is all that is needed to de-stress and get you back in the traveling mindset. Also, I suggest bringing something from home that will help relax you further, like a lovely smelling candle or a comfortable blanket.

Alright, world travelers-what tips would you add to help others have a less-stressful vacation?

Andrea Perullo is a Chinese Medicine Doctor by day, travel addict by night. When she is not treating patients, she is exploring the world or dreaming of the next place to visit. She blogs at MNUI, a company that sells travel insurance and at her website, My Beautiful Adventures.

Don’t forget to visit Robin at My Melange and read up on some of her travel tips today, too.

Until next time … Buon Viaggio.

Traveling to the south of Italy? Click here to see how I can help you plan your trip to Calabria or southern Italy.