Explore Italy like you live here
ABBA may have made the expression international but Italians have long been using mamma mia as an expression of surprise and joy. Now that we live in Italy, we spend our time getting to know the country as best we can, finding more stunning places and things that the locals love, to which we can only agree by saying: mamma mia, indeed!
Lots to choose from
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Breakfast in Italy & What to Actually Expect
April 3, 2026
Understand breakfast culture in Italy and what you can expect from your trip. It's likely far more more simple than what you might be thinking.
Trieste's Osmiza Culture & How to Best Enjoy It
March 27, 2026
Looking for something unique to do in Trieste? Get to know Trieste's osmiza culture and how you can dig into these delicious establishments.
The Very Best Time to Visit Venice
March 20, 2026
Can't decide when to plan your trip to Venice? Get a feel for all 4 seasons to choose your best time to visit Venice, from someone who lives nearby.
Alleghe Travel Guide: 3-Day Itinerary
March 13, 2026
Looking for a small town that's easy to get to in the Dolomites? See how to spend 3-days in Alleghe, a mountain town in Northern Italy.
What It's Like Skiing & Snowboarding at Mt. Civetta
March 6, 2026
See what it's really like to go snowboarding or skiing on Monte Civetta, Italy. With 72 km of slopes, you'll have plenty to keep yourself entertained.
The 20 Regions to Visit in Italy (& What Each Offers)
February 28, 2026
Dig deep into all 20 regions of Italy, finding the best things to do, places to visit, and local dishes to try from someone who lives in Italy.
What It's Like Skiing & Snowboarding at Cortina d'Ampezzo
December 5, 2025
Learn what it's really like to go snowboarding or skiing in Cortina d'Ampezzo. See if it's worth the hype and what's worth visiting and what's worth skipping.
What It's Like Skiing & Snowboarding at Monte Zoncolan
December 5, 2025
See what it's really like to go snowboarding or skiing on Monte Zoncolan, Italy. This lesser-known resort offers great views, maintained runs, and low prices.
5 Best Places to Visit in Italy in December
November 28, 2025
Curious what Italy is like in December? These are the best places to visit in Italy in December plus what the country is really like for the holidays.
Driving a Car in Italy: What to Know Before You Rent
November 21, 2025
Planning your trip to Italy and can't decide if you should rent a car? Here are some things to know about driving in Italy and when/when not to rent a car.
Winter in Italy: What to Expect (2025/2026)
November 14, 2025
Thinking about a winter trip to Italy? Here's what you can expect from winter weather, travel tips, and the biggest events in Italy in this winter.
7 Best Day Trips from Naples, Italy
November 7, 2025
Extend your trip to Naples by adding in a few day trips. From stunning islands to ancient archeological sites, there's a day trip from Naples for everyone.
3 Best Places to Visit in Italy in November (2025)
October 31, 2025
Looking for the best places to visit in Italy in November? Get the inside scoop on what Italy's really like in November and if it's a good time for your trip.
Where to Stay in Naples: Best Areas of the City
October 24, 2025
Can't decide where to book your hotel in Naples? These are my recommended (and not recommended) areas to stay in Naples after spending 2 weeks in the city.
13 Foods in Naples You Have to Try
October 15, 2025
Dig into the best food in Naples with this list of my 13 favorite things. Enjoy pizza, pasta, street food, and sweets with this list of local food in Naples.
Your Naples Travel Guide: 3-Day Itinerary
October 10, 2025
Naples is gritty, chaotic, and not like the rest of Italy. Come in with the right expectations and enjoy a city that's uniquely and deliciously it's own.
5 Best Places to Visit in Italy in October
September 28, 2025
Planning your trip to Italy in October? These are my 5 best places to visit in Italy in October from years of living here with bonus travel tips.
Ischia Travel Guide: 3-Day Itinerary
September 19, 2025
Looking for an alternative destination from the Amalfi Coast and Capri? Here's how to spend a fantastic weekend in Ischia, an island in the Bay of Naples.
7 Best Things to Do in Santarcangelo di Romagna
September 12, 2025
Looking for a really cute town to visit outside of Rimini in Emilia Romagna? Santarcangelo is just what you're looking for! Here are the best things to do.
Car Rental in Naples, Italy: What to Know (2026)
February 1, 2026
Thinking about renting a car in Naples? Here's the gist about what it's like renting a car in Naples, driving in Italy, and if it's actually worth it.
4 Best Places to Visit in Italy in September (2025)
August 31, 2025
September means less crowds and milder temperatures. Here are 4 unassuming places in Italy to visit in September after spending 2 falls here.
Your Weekend on Lake Garda: 3-Day Travel Guide
August 22, 2025
Lake Garda offers numerous small towns and outdoor activities but it can be hard to narrow down all your options. This 3-day travel guide is here to help.
Lake Garda vs. Lake Como: Which to Choose for Your Vacation
August 21, 2025
Can't decide if you should visit Lake Como or Lake Garda on your upcoming trip to Italy? I've broken it down by category to help you decide which is best.
7 Best Places to Visit in Emilia Romagna
August 11, 2025
Known as the culinary capital of Italy, there's a lot to see and eat in this region. Learn more about the best places to visit in Emilia Romagna.
3 Best Places to Visit in Italy in August (2025)
July 30, 2025
Visiting Italy in August? Get out of the typical tourist bubble and visit these lesser known destinations instead. Here's how to best travel Italy in August.
8 Best Things to Do in Riva del Garda
July 25, 2025
Enjoy one of the best places to visit on Lake Garda by taking advantage of all the best things to do in Riva del Garda. This lakefront town is full of fun.
5 Best Things to Do in Cesena, Italy
July 22, 2025
Although a small town, there are plenty of things to do in Cesena. These are my top recommendations after spending 3 nights in Cesena.
9 Best Towns on Lake Garda to Visit
July 10, 2025
As Italy's biggest lake, there's a lot to explore on Lake Garda. After multiple trips to different parts of the lake, these are my 9 best towns on Lake Garda.
3 Days in Riva del Garda: Ultimate Travel Guide
July 8, 2025
Enjoy 3 incredible days at Riva del Garda, one of my favorite places on Lake Garda. Enjoy this Riva del Garda travel guide for a full itinerary to copy.
Best Local Food to Try in Modena
July 2, 2025
Want to try more local food in Modena than just the famous balsamic vinegar? These are the best dishes from snacks to mains and desserts to try.
5 Best Places to Visit in Italy in July (2025)
June 30, 2025
Italy in July means peak tourist season and hot temperatures around the country. These are the 5 best places to visit in Italy in July to cool off.
Your Day Trip Guide to Reggio Emilia
June 20, 2025
Visit a town most tourists skip: Reggio Emilia. This charming city in Emilia Romagna is well worth a visit. Plan your day trip to Reggio Emilia.
Modena Travel Guide: 3 -Day Itinerary
June 8, 2025
Give Modena more than just the day trip most do and stay for a long weekend. After a week in the city, here's how I would spend 3-days in Modena.
An Unexpected Day Trip to Carpi, Italy
June 4, 2025
Looking for an off-the-beaten path destination near Modena? Carpi is bursting with charm and impressive architecture. Here's how to spend a day trip to Carpi.
5 Best Places to Visit in Italy in June (2025)
May 30, 2025
Italy in June means the official start to summer and plenty to do outdoors. These are the 5 best places to visit in Italy in June, as someone who lives here.
Your Udine Travel Guide for a Great Day Trip
May 26, 2025
Looking for an off-the-beaten-path day trip in Northern Italy? Check out Udine. Learn about the best things to do, where to eat, and how to extend your tip.
Gorizia Travel Guide: Your 3-Day Itinerary
May 2, 2025
Planning a 3-day getaway to Gorizia? Combine it with a visit to neighboring Nova Gorica and the surrounding wine region and you're in for a real treat.
5 Best Places to Visit in Italy in May (2026)
April 3, 2026
Italy in May means warm weather and the ideal time to be outdoors. These are the 5 best places to visit in Italy in May, as someone who lives here.
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9 Best Foods to Try in Turin
April 23, 2025
Eat up on your trip to Turin with these 9 best traditional foods to try. From appetizers to desserts, here are the dishes to try in Turin, Italy.
5 Best Places to Visit in Italy in April (2026)
March 20, 2026
Spring in Italy means more affordable costs, less crowds, and pleasant (but maybe unpredictable) weather. These are my top 5 places to visit in Italy in April.
Is Netflix’s The Leopard Based on a True Story?
March 5, 2025
Watching Netflix's The Leopard and want to know how historically accurate it is? Let's divide the line between fact and fiction in The Leopard.
Pet Travel to & Within Italy
February 28, 2025
Want to travel to and within Italy with your pets? After years of traveling with my cat and dog, these are my biggest tips to travel Italy with your pets.
5 Best Places to Visit in Italy in March (2025)
February 20, 2025
Take full advantage of shoulder season and plan an incredible trip to Italy in March. These are my top 5 recs for the best places to visit in Italy in March.
You Can’t Get a €1 House in Montezara but Here’s Where You Can
February 15, 2025
Watching 'La Dolce' Villa on Netflix? Unfortunately Montezara isn't real but the €1 housing scheme in Italy very much is.
How to Get to Lake Como: 3 Ways to Arrive
February 14, 2025
Dream of visiting Lake Como but can't figure out how to arrive? Learn the best ways to get to Lake Como via public transportation or rental car.
7 Best Places to Visit in Italy This February (2025)
January 29, 2025
With snow covered mountains in the north and fewer tourists in the south, learn the best places to visit in Italy this February to ensure a fantastic getaway.
How to Travel Italy on a Budget
January 24, 2025
Traveling Italy can be as expensive or as cost effective as you want it to be. Here's my biggest tips to travel Italy on a budget from someone who lives here.
Verona Travel Guide: Ideal 3-Day Itinerary
January 21, 2025
Looking to plan your trip to Verona, Italy? After multiple trips here, this is how I would plan 3 days in Verona for the sights, food, and day trips.
10 Best Places to Visit in Friuli-Venezia Giulia
May 1, 2025
Looking for the best places to visit in Friuli-Venezia Giulia? This lesser-known region of Italy is full of hidden gems, history, and great nature.
Ultimate Venice Travel Guide for a 3-Day Stay
December 27, 2024
See more than just the typical tourist sites in Venice with this insider guide. This 3-day travel guide to Venice covers all the beaten path spots and more.
12 Best Things to Do in the Dolomites
December 20, 2024
Looking for the best things to do in the Dolomites? After nearly 10 trips to the region, these are my favorite things to do, divided by season.
Turin Travel Guide: 3-Day Itinerary
December 18, 2024
Plan a great trip to Turin, Italy with this ultimate travel guide. Broken down into a 3-day itinerary, these are the best things to do and eat in Turin.
Where to Stay in the Dolomites: Best Areas & Hotels
December 11, 2024
Trying to decide where to stay in the Dolomites? After a handful of trips to the region, these are our favorite areas and hotels in the Dolomites.
Where to Go Snowboarding & Skiing in Italy
December 4, 2024
Looking for where to ski or snowboard in Italy? These are my 5 recommended ski resorts based on experience snowboarding through Italy.
Does It Snow in Italy? Where & How Much
November 27, 2024
Trying to figure out if it snows in Italy? The short answer is yes! But, you need to consider when, where, and how much to get a full answer to your question.
Must-Attend (or Must-Avoid) Events in Italy 2026
March 20, 2026
Looking to either attend or avoid the biggest events in Italy in 2026? These are the top events in Italy that you'll want to know about.
10 Must-Try Foods to Try in Rome
November 15, 2024
Rome isn't just for the history, it's also for the food. Don't miss out on these 10 best local foods to try in your Rome that'll make your trip even sweeter.
Where to Stay in Rome: Best Areas of the City
November 14, 2024
Can't decide where to stay in Rome? After 5 visits to the city, these are our favorite areas of the city and where to stay in each.
What to Expect in Rome: Jubilee Year 2025
November 12, 2024
Planning a visit to Rome in 2025? Think again. Here's everything you need to know about Rome's Jubilee Year 2025 and how it could affect your trip.
Your Ultimate Guide to Rome on a Budget
November 12, 2024
Visiting Rome doesn't have the break the bank. After 5 trips to Rome, here's my ultimate Rome on a budget guide to help you see the sights without the expense.
How to Plan the Perfect Day Trip to Trento, Italy
November 7, 2024
All you need to plan a dreamy day trip to Trento, Italy. Find out the best things to do, where to eat, when to visit, and some added tips to extend your stay.
10 Best Things to Do in Brescia, Italy
November 6, 2024
Enjoy all the best things to do in Brescia with this guide. Catch the best areas to walk around, where to eat, and the best day trips to take from Brescia.
Brescia Travel Guide: Planning Your 3-Day Trip
November 4, 2024
Spending 3-days in Brescia, Italy? See how to best spend your trip in this Brescia travel guide that covers the best things to do, eat, and day trips.
7 Best Day Trips from Verona
November 2, 2024
Verona is surrounded by stunning nature, famous cities, and charming towns. Learn the best day trips from Verona from someone who lives here.
9 Best Things to Do in Verona
November 1, 2024
Looking for the best things to do in Verona? After visiting the city numerous times, I've put together a list of my favorite things to do in Verona.
10 Best Things to Do in Bolzano, Italy
October 29, 2024
Looking for the best things to do in Bolzano? This list of 10 diverse activities will leave you just as in love with Bolzano as I am.
Bolzano Travel Guide: Your 3-Day Itinerary
October 24, 2024
Plan a great trip to Bolzano, Italy with this ultimate travel guide. Broken down into a 3-day itinerary, these are the best things to do and eat in Bolzano.
Transportation in Italy: Getting Around the Country
October 15, 2024
Planning your trip to Italy? Learn about all the options for transportation in Italy to learn how to best travel around the country.
Where to Stay in Trieste: 18 Great Hotels
October 8, 2024
Looking for the best hotels in Trieste? Check out these top places to stay based on the different neighborhoods in Trieste, Italy.
Olbia, Sardinia Travel Guide: 3 Day Itinerary
October 4, 2024
Planning a trip to Olbia, Sardinia? See how to spend 3 fantastic days in Olbia with the best things to do, where to stay, and what to eat.
Barcolana: Trieste's Own Sailing Regatta (2025)
September 26, 2024
Join in on the world's largest sailing race at Barcolana. Learn more about the Barcolana Regatta in Trieste and how you can best enjoy this lively weekend.
Ultimate Travel Guide to Sardinia, Italy
September 24, 2024
Planning a trip to Sardinia? With this travel guide, learn the best time to visit, where to base yourself, top things to do, and the most beautiful beaches.
The Very Best Time to Visit Italy
September 20, 2024
Can't decide when to visit Italy? See what each season is really like for you to narrow down the best time to visit Italy based on what you want to see and do.
Enjoy the Perfect Day Trip to Procida
September 18, 2024
Looking for one of the best day trips from Naples? Visit the small island of Procida. Here's how to spend the best day trip to Procida.
Solitano Doesn’t Exist but These 5 Towns Near Rome Do
September 13, 2024
Watching Emily in Paris and looking for Solitano, Italy? Unfortunately that town doesn't actually exist but these 5 quaint towns near Rome do.
Getting to Know the Islands of Venice, Italy
September 12, 2024
See more than just the main island of Venice and get to know the other islands in the Venice Lagoon. You won't want to miss these other Venice islands.
Trieste Travel Guide: 3-Day Itinerary
September 11, 2024
Planning a trip to Trieste? From where to stay, best restaurants, and things to do, this 3-day itinerary will guide you through what you can't miss in Trieste.
Matera Travel Guide: 3-Day Itinerary
August 23, 2024
Planning a vacation to Matera? This Matera travel guide will walk you through a 3-day trip, complete with things to do, best restaurants, and where to stay.
The Perfect Weekend on Lake Como: 3-Day Travel Guide
August 23, 2024
Eager for an idyllic 3-day weekend on Lake Como? This Lake Como travel guide has you covered on what to do, where to stay, and helpful travel tips.
Puglia Travel Guide: 3-Day Itinerary
August 23, 2024
Puglia is bursting at the seams with charm, natural beauty, and great food. Take this Puglia travel guide to plan your perfect 3-day trip to Italy's heel.
12 Best Things to Do in Trieste (From an Expat)
March 13, 2026
Visiting Trieste but can't decide how to spend your time? These are the best things to do in Trieste and some FAQs to make your time here incredible.
12 Best Day Trips From Trieste (From an Expat)
August 22, 2024
Expand your trip to Trieste and add in a day trip or 2. These 12 day trips from Trieste to Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy are well worth your time.
21 Best Restaurants in Trieste (from an Expat)
August 22, 2024
Although a small city, there are so many great restaurants in Trieste. These are my top picks after living in Trieste for a year.
The Very Best Time to Visit the Dolomites
August 9, 2024
Trying to decide when you should plan your trip to the Dolomites? Get a break down of each season so you can pick your best time to visit.
San Cassiano Travel Guide: 3-Day Itinerary
August 8, 2024
Soak up small town charm and incredible nature in San Cassiano, Italy. See how you can enjoy a long weekend here anytime of the year.
10 Best Day Trips from Bologna
July 30, 2025
Although you could certainly spend your entire vacation in Bologna, if you want to see more of the region, don't miss these 10 best day trips from Bologna.
17 Best Local Dishes & Food to Try in Bologna
July 4, 2024
Looking for the best food in Bologna? Known as the culinary capital of Italy, you won't go hungry during your trip. Try these 17 foods and best restaurants.
The Perfect Weekend in Bologna: 3-Day Travel Guide
June 29, 2024
Planning a 3-day getaway to Bologna? Use this in-depth Bologna travel guide from an expat in Italy to learn the best food, gelato, sights, and view points.
About Us
We're Kat, from the US, and Raf, from Colombia. We've been traveling the world and living abroad for the past decade but now call Italy home.
