• Books,  Europe,  Italy

    Travel Book Club: The Little Italian Hotel Discussion (March 2025)

    It’s time for the next discussion in our 2025 Travel Book Club! In March we read The Little Italian Hotel and I’ve compiled some questions below to get the discussion started! Share your thoughts, then check out what we’re reading next month! The Little Italian Hotel Author: Phaedra PatrickPages: 353Published: 2023 Join the discussion on Facebook! Caution: Spoilers Ahead! The Little Italian Hotel is one of those cozy, feel-good books that makes you want to book a flight and start over in a charming little town. It follows Ginny Splinter, a British radio show host who gives relationship advice for a living. She’s got this perfect-sounding life—successful career, long marriage,…

  • Europe,  Featured,  Food,  Italy,  Lucca

    Where to Eat in Lucca, Italy: 8 Restaurants and Food Spots You’ll Love

    Trying to figure out where to eat in Lucca, Italy? I get it. There are a lot of restaurants in Lucca, and when you’re wandering around the beautiful historic center, pretty much every other street seems to have another trattoria, osteria, café, gelateria, or little shop selling something that smells absolutely amazing. And while I fully support wandering around and choosing a restaurant based on whichever one looks good at the moment, a little advance planning can make your Lucca food experience even better. Lucca is a fantastic place to eat if you love traditional Tuscan food, handmade pasta, pizza, panini, gelato, pastries, and plenty of wine. I’ve eaten my…

  • Books,  Europe,  Italy

    12 Must-Read Books to Fuel Your Italian Wanderlust

    So, you’re planning a trip to Italy? First of all—jealous! Second, before you start perfecting your pasta twirl and brushing up on your “ciao” and “grazie,” let’s talk about a little pre-trip homework. And by homework, I mean the best kind—books! Reading stories set in Italy before your trip will not only transport you there early (hello, mental vacation!), but it will also enrich your experience once you arrive. You’ll recognize landmarks from the pages of novels, understand cultural nuances better, and maybe even impress a local with your knowledge of Renaissance Florence or glamorous 1960s Rome. From classic literature to modern love stories, and even a touch of mystery,…

  • Books,  Europe,  Italy

    Travel Book Club (March 2025): The Little Italian Hotel

    It’s time to get started on the book in our 2025 Travel Book Club! In March we’ll be reading The Little Italian Hotel. I’m currently studying Italian, so I thought this would be a fun read. Stick around to the end of the post to vote for April’s book! The Little Italian Hotel Author: Phaedra PatrickPages: 320Published: 2023 Join the discussion on Facebook starting March 24! Want to read more books featuring Italy? 12 More Books to Fuel Your Italian Wanderlust Vote for April’s Book If you like it, put a pin on it!

  • Europe,  Italy,  Visa

    Do I Need an Italy Visa?

    Wondering if you need an Italy visa for your upcoming trip? Learn about Italy’s entry requirements, ETIAS information, and more! Is Italy Part of the Schengen area? Italy is part of the Schengen area. Do I need an Italy Visa? If you are visiting for tourism or business and hold a valid U.S. passport, you stay in the Schengen area (which includes Italy) without a visa for 90 days within each 180-day period. To stay longer than 90 days you must obtain a visa. However, starting in early 2025, to travel to Europe U.S. passport holders will need to apply for a visa waiver. This can be done through the EU’s European Travel…