16 Italian Experiences You Need To Have In Italy

Florence Street Cafe

1. Eat gelato on the triangle bridge in Florence

There's something magical about enjoying your gelato while you lean up against the bridge over the Arno River.

2. Drink wine at Piazza Miniato while you watch the sun set

piazza miniato

Take it a step above Piazzale Michaelangelo - literally - in front of the church that sits higher on the hill.

3. Marvel at the famous duomo in each of these cities: Florence, Milan, Siena

Duomo Florence

4. Hike Mt. Vesuvius and visit the ruins of Pompeii

Pompeii

History class just got much more exciting, now that you're seeing it in person.

5. Eat Italian food...obviously

But this list wouldn't be complete without  it. Carbs don't totally count when you're in Italy. ;)

6. Take a train or bus through the Tuscan countryside

Perugia

Get lost in your thoughts as you stare out the window.

7. Visit the Colosseum in Rome

Colosseum

Perhaps the most iconic structure in Italy, the Colosseum is among many famous, ancient, historical sites that you cannot miss while in the Eternal City.

8. Go on an early morning run along the Tiber River in Rome

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Take in the popular sights as the town wakes up: Vatican City, Castelo d'Saint Angelo, and maybe even head over to the Roman Forum and Pantheon. It beats the stagnant view out the gym window on the treadmill back home.

9. Head down to Sicily for a more unique feel for Italy

10. Set sail for the sea and dock at beautiful Italian islands

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Elba, Capri, and Sardinia are a few of many Mediterranean musts.

11. Visit Venice during Carnivale (February)

This festival is sure to be worth the trip!

12. Go to Lake Como, a lake in Northern Italy near the Swiss border

Bellagio Lake Como

Not just because George Clooney has a house there.

13. Taste a massive variety of gelato flavors at the Florence Gelato Festival (June)

Everything from red wine gelato to sushi-flavored is served, including original favorites such as ciocolatto, straciatella, and fragola.

14. For another festival to satisfy your sweet tooth, head to Perugia for the annual Chocolate Festival (October)

perugia chocolate festival

If they still play that dreaded "Cioooo--cooo---latte!" theme song on repeat...so help me God...

15. Go wine tasting in Tuscany

Boboli Gardens

Where better to sample wine than in Italy's finest wine region?!

16. Have warm, fresh pastries from a Secret Bakery in Florence

Secret-Bakery-Florence

Because Nutella croissants just taste way better at 2 am.

Mediterranean Musts: 12 Reasons Why You Should Visit The French Riviera

The French Riviera is a summer hotspot for many reasons but is often overshadowed by its more well-known sister, Paris. If you're headed to Europe this spring or summer, you definitely need to look into the French Riviera. Nice, Cannes, Monaco, and St. Tropez are calling your name.

12 Reasons Why You Should Visit The French Riviera

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1. Located on the southeast coast of France near the Italian border, you'll find this incredibly beautiful coastal region.

French Flag in Southern France

2. The architecture is quintessential European with bright colors and a seaside flair.

Nice, France Architecture

3. Yes, a regular ol' building is that pretty. Let's take a closer look:

Architecture in the French Riviera

4. The rich and famous are notorious for spending summers here (it is home to the Cannes Film Festival and the Grand Prix, after all), and you can bet they'll be spending time on the water.

Marina in French Riveria Cannes

5. Yachts fill the marina.

Yachts in French Riviera

6. Hmm, do you think any of these boats belong to celebrities?

Yachts in France

7. When in France, you must try some fresh treats from the bakery.

French Bakery in Southern France

8. Enjoy some macarons on a leisurely stroll, and while you do, stop and smell the roses - or some of these gorgeous pink flowers.

Pink Flowers in Southern France

9. While in the area, cross borders to a whole new country - Monaco.

Castle in Monaco

Monaco is a tiny city-state country with its own royal government, run for centuries by the Grimaldi family. (Yes, that's same royal family that inspired Blair's prince in Gossip Girl).

10. Monaco is home to the famous Casino de Monte-Carlo, known for its presence in James Bond movies.

Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco

11. It's also home to views like this.

Monaco

12. By now, you must be convinced.

Nice, France, French Riviera

The French Riviera is the place to be during a summer on the Mediterranean.

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Pre-Study Abroad Checklist: Summer in Europe

It's almost that time of year again - summer! Which means it's time to start planning for the upcoming months. Hands down my favorite season, summer beats out the rest of the year, especially for traveling. While I will admit popular tourist destinations can get a little frustrating in the summer due to being more crowded and having longer lines, the general carefree feeling of being outside, in an awesome city, doing awesome things, makes it worth it.

It's much better sipping a glass of wine on a sidewalk cafe during aperitvo in Rome under the warm rays of the sun than it is on a cold, dreary day. (Am I right, or am I right.)

Maybe I love Europe in the warm weather months so much because my first time outside the US was to study abroad in Italy for a 6-week summer program.

While in Italy for my study abroad, I lived in Florence and took trips within the country to Rome, Siena, and the Amalfi Coast. I also went to Ireland one weekend and England the next.

Besides our orientation, I didn't have much to go off of in terms of a list for what to pack when you study abroad over the summer. Most lists were for stretching your suitcase to fit four-eight months of clothing (semester/full-year abroad), and I wouldn't need to be packing riding boots or a parka.

Instead, I'd be wading the waters of Capri with sandals and a swimsuit.

Here's a brief overview of what to do and what to pack prior to heading to Europe for a summer study abroad program.

Also Read: How To Make The Most Of Your Study Abroad

Pre-Study Abroad Checklist: Europe Summer

First things first

-Passport: Because you can't leave the country without it.

-Plans: Have you started planning weekend trips or any extra traveling before/after your program? Now's the time to do some research and coordinate with others in your program on where you want to go! In my opinion, having things planned out at least somewhat in advance is worth it, though spontaneity can be exciting too.

-Luggage: I brought a backpack, carry-on roller bag, and a large checked roller bag, though for six weeks I probably would've been fine with a large duffle and these packing tricks.

-Check your emails and confirm with your study abroad program that everything is squared away. This includes any visas you may need, tuition payments, program fees, housing, trips through your school, etc.

What Clothes to Pack (Ladies)

Clothing

Dresses (makes putting together outfits easier, plus they're nice for warm weather), Tops (basic tees/tanks, a couple nicer ones to dress up an outfit), Bottoms (2 pairs of shorts - one athletic for physical activity and one pair of trendy ones for daytime - 1 pair leggings, 1 pair jeans - because no one's going to notice or care that you've worn them 3 days in a row - a skirt or two, and either a light jacket, sweater, or chambray shirt for when it's chilly.

Accessories & Shoes

1 handbag (medium size is best), 1-2 pairs  sunglasses, a lightweight scarf (for chilly nights or flights), 1 pair comfortable flats, 1 pair sneakers, 1 pair strappy sandals, 1 pair flip flops.

This is where I went a little crazy when I studied abroad. I brought ten (10!!!) pairs of shoes with me, and then I bought two pairs in London, so I can home with 12. However, a majority of the shoes were sandals so they took up very little room, but I really did not need that many pairs of shoes.

Realistically, you only need one pair of sandals, but if you have some room, a couple extra pairs couldn't hurt. Just keep that in mind for having to bring everything home in terms of luggage space.

Extras

Beachside in Positano, Italy

-Bug spray: you will need it. You can buy some once you get there, but if you do, make sure to get some right away if you plan on stepping outside at night.

-Electronics: Earbuds, phone and/or laptop or tablet, camera, adapters, portable speakers (nice to have).

-Journal: To document your experience.

-Toiletries: Travel-sized ones are fine because you can easily stock up while you're there, if needed.

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Mediterranean Musts: 17 Reasons Why You Should Visit Italy's Amalfi Coast

17 Reasons Why You Should Visit Italy’s Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is out of this world in terms of beauty. Rome, Florence, and Milan are great, but Amalfi is simply in its own class. There's a reason why it has become such a popular vacation spot over the years, and it is still totally worth visiting, despite the growing number of tourists.

Here's why:

1. You've got to see the iconic photo of Positano in person.

Positano, Italy

If you've seen photos of the Amalfi Coast, chances are you've seen this snap of the cliffside homes and buildings by the beach. If a picture tells a thousand words, those thousand words are sure to include, "You need to see this for yourself!"

2. ...And there are similar views all over.

Amalfi Coast

Travel during the daytime for at least one leg of your trip so you can stare out the window at views like this.

3. You'll want to look down, because you'll see this:

Blue Water Amalfi Coast

Fifty shades of blue (and some boats, too).

4. You'll be amazed at how incredible it all looks up close.

Beachside Positano Italy

Especially from the beach.

5. Amalfi likes to show off, especially when you're out on the water.

Boat Cruise in Amalfi Coast

This place is meant for boats. The smell of the sea and the ocean breeze only add to it all.

6. You might see this guy around town.

Dog in Amalfi Coast Italy

Straight chillin', because that's what a dog's life is like by the beach.

7. You can hike or take a cable car to the top of the mountain from Anacapri.

Capri Cable Car

The island of Capri is worth the ferry ride over, and so is getting to the top of Monte Solaro, the highest peak on the island.

8. Once you're at the top, you'll look around and see something like this:

Capri zoom

Stunning.

9. As you climb higher, you'll find yourself among the fog.

Foggy Capri

It's pretty cool.

10. Flowers are another reason to love the Amalfi Coast.

Flowers in Amalfi Coast Italy

Yet another thing to add to the list of why this place is absolutely gorgeous.

11. You'll see flower canopies like this:

Canopy of Purple Flowers

12. Actually, purple flowers are everywhere.

Purple Flowers Amalfi

13. Seriously, they're everywhere.

Purple Flowers Amalfi Coast

And we're not complaining about it.

14. There's also a little something called the Blue Grotto you may have heard of.

Blue Grotto Entrance

It looks like a simple small cave from the outside, but once you go in, you'll find the cavern illuminated with a bright blue light. The only way in is by a rowboat where you have to duck/lean back since the entrance is so small.

15. You can spend your few minutes inside the Blue Grotto in the rowboat, but sometimes they'll let you swim.

Swimming in Blue Grotto

You might have to persuade 'em with a few euros.

16.  You can find lemon groves in Sorrento.

Lemon Groves Amalfi

Follow your nose - you'll be able to smell the sweet scent as you inch closer. The Amalfi Coast is where limoncello, the sugary Italian liqueur, comes from.

17. Because once you've been, nowhere else will compare.

The Beautiful Amalfi Coast, Italy

Amalfi has ruined you for life. In a good way.

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7 Things I Learned From Italians

Florence Duomo from Piazzale Michelangelo

One of the benefits of living abroad or traveling slow is that you typically understand the culture of the country and the people more than if you were just passing through. After studying abroad in Italy and living there after college, I've learned a thing or two from these gorgeous, animated Europeans.

7 Things I Learned From Italians

Purple Flowers in Sorrento

1. Stop and smell the roses

Time is different in Italy. Have a meeting at work? It's okay if you strolled in a five (or forty) minutes late. Maybe you ran into a friend on the way there, or you stopped to grab a quick espresso. In the summer vacation weeks (August) stores and restaurants have shorter hours. Some close completely and reopen when people come back from vacation. Spending time with friends and family over the summer holidays is more important than turning profit.

Andiamo Bellevue Food

2. Appreciate good food

Food is meant to taste good. One time I got take-away pizza from Cento Poveri, a restaurant near my apartment. As I held the boxes with one hand from underneath, they started to tilt a little. All of the servers nearby made audible gasps and lunged toward the pizza. The man who handed me the pizza said, "Ah! No-no-no!" This was all to ensure the cheese wouldn't slide off the perfectly crafted pizza.

3. ... And eat good food

You'll only find the best of the best in Italy, a major food capital of Europe. Daily grocery/market runs mean the freshest ingredients are used in your meals. Meals can drag out for hours, and if you're at a restaurant, you'll never be pushed out, because you're enjoying the meal and conversation.

4. Dress to impress

Italians are always dressed to the nines, even if it is just a simple skinny jeans/sneakers/sweater combination. "Look your best, because you'll never know who you'll run into" aptly applies, as you'll constantly see fabulous fashion from Italian men and women.

5. Quality over quantity

Well-crafted items are better than those made to quickly fall apart. One pair of quality, leather boots to face the cobblestone streets are far more worth it than 10 pairs of H&M sandals that will fall apart within days.

Duomo Florence

6. Art is not dead

As the birthplace of the Renaissance, Italy is an art history buff's dream come true. You'll not only museums filled with art; you'll see it everywhere you go: from the ancient wonders of still-standing structures in Rome (Colosseum to name one), to the delectable cuisine, to the designs carved into churches, or the pastel homes decorating the cliffs. Art isn't just in Italy's past - it's in its future. Internationally known fashion powerhouses such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Valentino are Italian, and there are budding artists at local universities studying everything from fine art to fashion to cooking.

7. There is a pretty word for "uhh."

It's allora. :)

Experiencing "Happy" Culture Shock

I had the goofiest smile on my face as the fellow students and I stared out the bus windows, mesmerized at the beauty of Rome. It felt like we were inside a movie set, only this time it was for real and not through a TV screen of a replica somewhere in Los Angeles.

The first time I stepped foot outside the United States was in May 2011 during the opening tour for my study abroad program. We were to spend four days in Rome, and I was a mess of emotions ranging from excited to hysterical on the trip over. Once I had collected my bags and was on the bus to the hotel, all my reservations subsided as I was immediately transported into extreme culture shock - the good, happy-feeling culture shock that comes when you're off the charts excited about experiencing a completely new destination for the first time.

The architecture was so different and so beautiful. The colors, the palm trees, the "lion king trees." The streetside cafes. The old men in suits walking a tiny dog or the ladies donning high fashion on their scooters.

Everything was so different. Everything was so incredible.

As we checked into the hotel, we made plans for first things first - Italian food. We found a cafe and ordered our meals - me, pronouncing "caprese" totally wrong. Rookie mistake! Then we set out to explore, finding our way along the Tiber River and posing for photos along the way. "Guys, can you believe we're in Italy?!" we kept saying to each other.

That extreme boost of happiness carried on throughout the whole weekend, and still stayed strong as we made our way into Florence. I remember walking up to the Duomo for the first time and thinking wow - being frozen still, staring at its dazzling enormity.

Seeing the lights glitter along the river at night, the fluffy pastries in cafe windows, the cobblestone streets, and hearing the Italians speak their musical language. It was all part of the culture shock, and it was positive. I was so happy to be in Italy.

The goal of this blog is to inspire you to travel, whether it's your first trip abroad or your fiftieth. Have somewhere you've always wanted to go? Take the opportunity to go and just book the trip. The excitement that comes from planning a trip and the burst of happiness that occurs during will be worth it 100%.

Eating Around Europe: What To Try In Turkey, Croatia, Italy

#prost

It wasn't long ago that I was spooning creamy pesto onto my pasta in Italy or nibbling on a bretzel in Austria. The food in Europe is as delicious as it is diverse, and is as diverse as the countries themselves. If you're any sort of a foodie, you'll love trying different foods as you move through Europe. And if you're not a foodie, you'll be surprised how delactable each country's specialties will be. I've rounded up a few European countries with foods you must try while there - think of this as a teaser for your taste buds.

Ireland: Oh goodness, my Guinness!

Guinness is the dark ruby red beer (it's actually not black!) that hails from Ireland. While it's feels filling, it's surprisingly low in calories - only 125 per pint - making it a smart beverage choice when you pair it with heavier foods such as Shepherd's Pie or potatoes. Another staple to try in Ireland? A traditional Irish breakfast. And what's that black pudding stuff? ....Don't ask, just eat.

Germany: Prost!

#prost

You'll find the best brews in the land of Oktoberfest. My preference is Hefeweizen for a wheaty, fruity flavor, which you'll find as well as the bock, pilsner, or alt beers, to name a few. Pair your beer with soft pretzel, bratwurst, or spätzle.

Austria: Soccer-what?

Austria, similar to Germany, has some of the best beers, sausage, and pretzels. You must try sachertorte, a specialty in Austria - it's a slightly dusty chocolate ganache cake that tastes fantastic with espresso. Austrian desserts tend to be lighter and fluffier, so the sachertorte is a slight break from that.

Italy: Where you cut the pizza yourself (and it's way better that way)

Ah, Italy, the food capital of Europe. Fresh tomatoes await, adorned atop Caprese salads or sandwiched between a panini. You'll undoubtedly want to try true Italian pizza, noted by how you slice it yourself. Drizzle olive oil on top after it's served for some extra flavor.

Hand-crafted pasta of all shapes and sizes are another obvious choice for lunch and dinner eats; try different types with new sauces and you'll never be bored with the limitless variations of textures.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do, and pair your meal with wine. Finally, finish it off with a sweet dessert, either with tiramasu or gelato for something satiating, or with a few sips of often-complimentary limoncello.

Also read: Where to find good food in Florence on a budget and The Best Places in Italy to Eat traditional Italian foods

Turkey: Would you like fries with (in) that?

Besides shepherd's salad (diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and green peppers) the food in Turkey tends to be more meat-heavy. Meat and rice make for a tasty and filling combination, so make sure you come hungry. You'll find kebaps all around Europe, and they make for a nice snack after a night out. Though you don't have to save kebaps for just late nights post-party, and in Turkey you'll see them everywhere. Meat, rice, veggies, fries, and yogurt (it's different than American yogurt, more of a garlic-sour cream sauce), are delicious all combined in a wrap.

Have a sweet tooth? Finish your meal with baklava, Turkish tea, or freshly squeezed pomegranate juice.

Croatia: Fish...a whole fish

Croatia Fish

Seeing as the country of Croatia contains so much coastline, it's no surprise that the seafood is out of this world. You'll order fish at a restaurant, and it'll be incredibly fresh - so much so that it comes on a plate complete with the head, skin, and bones. If you haven't eaten fish that way and the thought makes you wary, at least give it a try - once you get past the skin you'll realize it is definitely worth it. And definitely delicious.

Other Croatian food is somewhat Italian inspired (they do share borders, after all), and you'll find variations of pizza, pasta, and gelato, as well as fast food restaurants.