{Fontana di Trevi}

One year ago today I was arriving in Rome!  In May 2014, my husband and I took a two week trip to Italy.  My grandmother left me a small bit of money.  I wanted to use it for something that would make her happy.  Neither of us had been to Europe so this trip was extraordinary for us!  It has obviously been months and months since our trip, but I wanted to be really thoughtful when writing about this experience.  It was life-changing in some ways, stressful at times, and truly unforgettable.  I will post every week for the next several weeks, since our trip consisted of 3 distinct parts-all with their own amazing sights and memories.

Roma:  The Eternal City {Day 1-5}

Rome is an amazingly busy city!  Scooters zip by, cars navigate streets the width of a jogging path, and people fill the streets day and night.  We loved the energy and felt comfortable as soon as we arrived.  Aaron and I quickly learned how we DID NOT want to travel.  Our first two days in Rome were jam packed and crazed with historical sites and museums. And miles and miles of walking.  By the end of the night two, after we left the Vatican, we finally broke down and took our first cab.  As I leaned back in the seat to rest my head I muttered out loud, “If we do that again tomorrow, I will hate Italy and I will hate you.”  A lesson quickly learned:  You don’t need to see it all.

Click through to read more about our trip and all of my tips for Rome…. (more…)

It’s official and I am freaking out!  My husband and I are traveling to Italy.  It has been a long time dream and now I finally have a ticket in hand.  Skipping backpacking through Europe may be one of my only regrets in life.  While others were sleeping on overnight trains and exploring all of Europe, I went right back to school and began work on my Masters degree.  Responsible, but not very adventurous.  Now we are going for it!  2 weeks, just us, and the enchanting country of Italy.

Our rough itinerary is set.  Fly into Rome and spend time exploring.    Travel to Southern Italy (Calabria) to visit my grandfathers’ villages and meet cousins who still live in the area.  Both of my grandfathers immigrated to the United States from Italy in the early 1900’s.  From there, travel to the Amalfi Coast and explore Positano, Capri, and Pompeii.  How amazing, right?

That is where you all come in!  I need all of your tips.  What is the inside scoop to Rome?  What should I pack?  How should we get around once we are in Italy {train or car}?  Should we stay in Positano?  What is the best way to communicate with boys when we are gone?  Have any secrets to getting over jet lag?  Apartment or hotel?  Guide books you found most helpful?

Any and all recommendations are wanted!  May can’t get here fast enough.

Ciao!