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Where to Park in Lucca: Parking, ZTL Rules & Avoiding a Fine
Can You Drive Inside Lucca’s City Walls? Can you and should you are two very different questions. Yes, it is physically possible to drive inside Lucca’s historic city walls. But much of the historic center is a ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato), which means access is restricted to residents and authorized vehicles. So the short answer for tourists? Don’t drive inside Lucca’s city walls unless your hotel has specifically arranged authorized ZTL access for you. And honestly, you probably don’t want to anyway. Lucca is wonderfully walkable, and its historic city walls are just one of the many reasons I love this Tuscan city. If you’re wondering what makes it…
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14 Fun Things to Do in Paris in the Rain: A Guide to Staying Dry & Happy
Paris is known for its stunning architecture, charming streets, and romantic ambiance, but what happens when the skies turn gray and rain starts to pour? The rainy season in Paris can transform the city into a different kind of magical experience. Don’t worry—bad weather can be an opportunity to explore unique activities in Paris! Whether you’re looking for culture, adventure, or a cozy retreat, the City of Light has plenty of indoor activities to keep you entertained while staying dry. Here’s a list of 14 fantastic things to do in Paris when it rains. 1. Explore the Louvre Museum When the weather turns dreary, step inside the world’s most famous…
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What to Do in Florence When It Rains: Best Rainy-Day Activities
There’s nothing quite like planning a trip to Italy with visions of sunny piazzas and leisurely walks through Florence…only to wake up to pouring rain. Fortunately, it only rained one day during my trip to Florence—but when it rained, it poured. I’ve somehow developed a habit of encountering rainy days on my travels (Tokyo and Paris, I’m looking at you), so I’ve become pretty good at finding ways to enjoy a city when the weather refuses to cooperate. And Florence is actually a pretty easy city to enjoy in the rain. I spent my rainy day exploring places like the Uffizi Gallery and the Duomo, with strategic café stops thrown…
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St. Regis Florence Review: What It’s Really Like to Stay Here
I recently stayed at the St. Regis Florence to celebrate a milestone birthday, and if you’re looking for a truly luxurious place to stay in Florence, it’s hard to imagine a more beautiful setting. Housed in a historic palazzo overlooking the Arno River, the St. Regis combines old-world Florentine elegance with modern luxury. And yes, the property is every bit as gorgeous as you’d expect from the photos. But is the St. Regis Florence worth the splurge? And what is it actually like to stay there? After my stay, I’m sharing my honest take on the rooms (beautiful), location (ideal), service (top notch), amenities (thoughtful), and the little things I…
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How to Get Around Paris: Metro, RER, Buses, Taxis & Walking
Getting around Paris is easier than you might think, and thankfully, you don’t need to spend a fortune to do it. Whether you’re staying central or venturing out to the edges of the city, there’s a transportation option to fit your style and budget. My favorite way to get around Paris? A combination of walking and the Metro. Paris is compact enough that you’ll often walk between neighborhoods and attractions, but the Metro can save you a lot of time when you’re crossing the city. Metro & RER Trains The Paris Metro is hands-down the most efficient and cost-effective way to get around the city. With 16 metro lines and extensive coverage,…
