Climbing the Duomo in Florence: 10 Key Things to Know About Brunelleschi’s Dome

Climbing the Duomo in Florence: 10 Key Things to Know About Brunelleschi’s Dome

Emerging majestically above other rooftops in the Florence skyline, the Brunelleschi Dome adorns the Santa Fiore del Maria Cathedral, instantly recognizable as a symbol of Florence. I’m always impressed when something built hundreds of years ago retains its superlative status even in the modern age. Brunelleschi’s ingenious design means that, more than 500 years later,…

How Not to Get to Capri from Naples: Hydrofoil Hell vs. Ferry Bliss

How Not to Get to Capri from Naples: Hydrofoil Hell vs. Ferry Bliss

The funniest thing about my disastrous trip from Naples to Capri by fast boat is how easily it could be avoided.  My friend Megan had specifically warned me about the rough boat journey between Naples and Capri, especially in the winter months when I visited Capri (specifically, early March).  She’s emetophobic and, miraculously, still one…

Visiting the Tour Montparnasse: Tips for Enjoying the Best View in Paris

Visiting the Tour Montparnasse: Tips for Enjoying the Best View in Paris

Eyesore or eye-catching? Opinions on Paris’ Tour Montparnasse, or Montparnasse Tower in English, have always tended towards one extreme or the other; either way, it sparks reactions.  Reactions were so severe, in fact, that after it was finished in 1973, there was a tremendous outcry. The uproar continued to be so loud that two years…

10 Mistakes to Avoid When Visiting the Colosseum [2024 Update]

10 Mistakes to Avoid When Visiting the Colosseum [2024 Update]

While Rome is filled with wonderful squares, fountains, and awe-inspiring ancient ruins, nothing will capture your interest like the Colosseum! The nearly 2,000-year-old amphitheater is the symbol of the Eternal City and a must-see on any Rome itinerary — whether you have one day, 3 days, or a full week! But visiting the Colosseum comes…

The 11 Best Mt. Etna Wine Tours from Catania & Taormina

The 11 Best Mt. Etna Wine Tours from Catania & Taormina

If you’re planning a trip to Sicily, you’re probably planning to visit its epic coastline, stunning beaches, charming beach towns, and countless historical spots. But there’s one thing you simply can’t miss: visiting the iconic Mt. Etna, the tallest active volcano in all of Europe. The towering, simmering Mt. Etna is located near the city…

21 Epic Villas in Tuscany with Private Pools [Curated Picks for 2024]

21 Epic Villas in Tuscany with Private Pools [Curated Picks for 2024]

With rolling hills and vineyards as your everyday backdrop, renting a Tuscany villa with a private pool is one of the best ways to experience the bucolic landscapes of Italy’s most beautiful countryside. And with fully-equipped kitchens, al fresco dining areas, and beautiful gardens, a home’s comforts meets nature’s beauty in these villas. Of course,…

Seeing the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi: Tips, Apps, Spots & Tours I Recommend!

Seeing the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi: Tips, Apps, Spots & Tours I Recommend!

Many people plan a trip to Rovaniemi in winter with one main thing on their mind… spotting Finnish Lapland’s fickle but phenomenal Northern lights! This guide will go over when and how you can see the Northern lights in Rovaniemi. This includes tips for spotting them independently as well as my own personal experience seeing…