Five Best Travel Tips

By now you know that I am completely besotted by Italy, some may even say obsessed! There is always so much to discover and experience, even in places that I have been visiting for the past fifteen years. When you spend time with me in Italy, I want you to have the greatest Italian adventure you could ever imagine. And it begins now!

Planning and preparing for a journey is fun and an exciting prelude to what is to come. At the conclusion of a trip, it is not uncommon to hear “I wish I hadn’t packed so much”, “I packed all the wrong clothes”, “I should have walked more hills at home”, “It would have been fun to know some Italian”.

The motivating factor behind the Ciao Italy Newsletter is to ensure you are a savvy traveller, armed with great information at your fingertips on history, culture, places, people, food, wine, travel tips and how to avoid common tourist pitfalls. In fact, there are fifty topics and 50,000 words (so far) to lose yourself in. Let’s revisit some practical advice for those of you who are still thinking about your next travel adventure and those of us who simply cannot wait!

When to book flights

The best time to be inspired by your next travel adventure is when you return from a travel adventure! We all need something to look forward to, plan for and daydream about. Sooner rather than later is more important than ever when booking flights because gone are the days with last minute deals. Flights book out quickly and prices only increase.

How can I help?

If you prefer not to book your own flights and don’t have a Travel Agent, I can recommend a very good International Travel Consultant that I used to work with when I also worked as an International Travel Consultant, or I can offer suggestions on which airlines I prefer and why.

Travel Insurance

Always lock in your travel insurance when you book your flights so that you are covered for any unforseen circumstances. The cost is the same whether you pay one year out or one week out.

Who do I recommend?

I have worked with CoverMore before and continue to use them for my insurance cover. They are mid-range as far as cost, but the cover is comprehensive and they only do travel insurance. One of the highlights of a Ciao Italy Tour is our guided vespa tour in Rome where you are a pillion passenger. For only a small amount, you can add extra cover for this experience.

Packing!

My best packing tip is always to use packing cubes/cells in different sizes for ALL of your clothing. You not only fit more in, but you don’t need to unpack everything at each place that we stay for three nights. The tours are always scheduled in spring and autumn, so whether we are in the north or south, temperatures will be low twenties to low thirties.

What is a good luggage weight to leave with?

Given the nature of every itinerary including small historical villages; hilltop towns that our driver is not allowed to drive into; ferries to catch to islands; small minivans after our private bus transfer to take us to our accommodation; steps to our amazing villa, it is important that you can manage your own luggage. Try to leave with your bag only 75% full and weighing no more than 16-18 kilograms. It is highly unlikely that you will return home regretting that you didn’t take more ‘stuff’. Every few days we do have access to laundromats.

Fit to travel

Italy is a hilly, mountainous country. Medieval walled towns perched on the top of mountains have hilly cobblestone streets. The closer to the ground you travel, the more you see and experience. There are choices and options every day on a Ciao Italy Tour as to how much or little you would like to do, so please don’t panic!

However, whether wandering the narrow alleyways of Rome’s neighbourhoods, walking the rolling hills of Tuscany, the stunning Path of the Gods on the Amalfi Coast, the breathtaking trails in the Dolomites or the craters of Mount Etna, a moderate level of fitness will enable you to have incredible experiences.

Think of the benefits of starting now! The number one thing in life anyone can do to defy the ageing process is to build stronger muscles. With twenty five years of personal training behind me, I can’t stress enough the importance of strength training. There are benefits to walking every day, but if you don’t include some hills (just a little incline will make a difference) and some steps, you are not strengthening your leg muscles. Flat walking does not prepare you for Italy.

How can I help?

Talk to me if you would like to know what exercises to do. If you live in my town of Noosa or close by, let me know if you would like to join my small group personal training classes that focus purely on strength training.

Do I need to learn some Italian?

It’s not essential, but it is a lot of fun to be able to engage with locals and have the confidence to know the correct greetings and important phrases: “Vorrei un bicchiere di vino bianco per favore” - “I would like a glass of white wine please”. It is also respectful and good manners to learn some basic language and well worth the time because Italians really do appreciate you making an effort.

How can I help?

For the last few years I have been teaching an “Introduction to Italian” Course that focuses on conversation relevant to travelling and confidence in pronunciation. I prefer to teach face to face, so it’s only going to be beneficial for people living on the Sunshine coast. The next course will be in January/February, so please let me know if you are interested.

TOUR UPDATE FOR 2025 (maximum of 12 people per tour)

My departure date for Italy is mid March, with the first tour for 2025 scheduled to start in Rome at the beginning of Easter on 18th April. We then head to Taormina, Ortigia and the Aeolian Islands in Sicily before returning to Naples and Rome. It’s a fantastic itinerary and not as crowded at this time of year. There are still spots available.

Tuscany/Italian Riviera/Lake Como Tour from 2nd to 16th May: 2 spots left

Matera/Amalfi Coast Tour from 17th to 31st May: booked out

Lake Garda/Dolomites Tour from 1st to 15th June: 2 spots left

Tuscany/Italian Riviera/Lake Como tour from 18th September to 2nd October: 4 spots left

Matera/Puglia Tour from 3rd to 17th October: 4 spots left

Naples/Procida/Sicily Tour from 17th to 31st October: 2 spots left

Ci vediamo la prossima settimana.

Deb