Hey ya’ll! Thanks for being patient with my blog hiatus when I was on vacation!! I have a ton of photos and stories form Italy and I am spending the next few days writing and prepping those to share with you! Here is the first post: a list of semi-random tips that Nate and I personally learned while traveling around Italy.

• Italian streets are all cobblestone, mostly uneven, which makes rolling a suitcase pretty tough and noisy. If I’d known that, I would have packed lighter, and in a large backpack or duffle.
• For packing, bring more undergarments than you think you’ll need and less other items of clothing than you think you’ll need. You can re-wear jeans and even some shirts, but you can’t re-wear socks or underwear. Though OVS in Rome has a great selection of both.
• If you’re traveling longer than a week, pick a “midway” Airbnb that has a washing machine. Note that laundry in Italy takes 3-4 hours per load! :O
• We took the train a lot, and it’s very easy. Just don’t forget to “validate” your ticket in the little green machines before you hop on or else you will get fined! (this didn’t happen to us. just a word of caution!)
• When looking for an Airbnb a big city, like Rome or Florence, spending the extra money is absolutely worth it. Unless you want a dark garden level where the hot water only works at night. I may speak from experience.
• In our experience, most pillows over there are down, so if you have allergies bring those meds!! Itchy eyes suck, especially when you have so much cool stuff to look at.
• Iced coffee doesn’t exist in Italy, but you might be really craving it and do some internet research to find out what is similar. I did that and found the answer for you: Ask for a Shakerado (shake-air-ah-doe). Doesn’t have ice IN in, but they shake it with ice so it’s nice and cold!
• Always (I MEAN ALWAYS) have tissues or toilet paper with you, especially at train station bathrooms and in Cinque Terre. Also always have a euro or two with you because public bathrooms cost money to use!
• Pack small spray bottle of a refreshing essential oil/water mix that you can spray over your suitcase to keep things fresh. I brought lavender and it worked great. (Obviously this tip doesn’t only apply to Italian travel haha)
• If you’re hiking the tiny trails of Cinque Terre, know that the trek is more difficult than most tour guides/books make it sound. Definitely wear sneakers and bring lots of water. Extra deodorant wouldn’t hurt either.
• Wine is everywhere and it’s the best. That’s not a tip, just a fact. 😉 😉

So if you’re heading to Italy anytime soon, definitely refer back to this list before you leave! And stay tuned for more photos and fun of our adventure! ~S