Ruth’s Tips: Do you know the MOST important factor to staying SAFE when traveling?
Staying safe is about being AWARE. In Italy. In NYC. Anywhere.
👀 Be aware of your surroundings
👁️ Be aware of who is around you
🧳 👜 Be aware of how you are carrying your stuff and/or valuables
😎 Be aware of the VIBE you are giving off
Being AWARE is the opposite of being scared or stressed out or totally carefree.
✅ You do not need a special travel bag: If you are AWARE, you can carry a shoulder bag, a backpack or a crossbody. Be aware of where your wallet and phone are and make sure they are not easily accessible.
Being aware is about being smart:
🗝️ Lock your car/hotel/vacation rental doors
🔐 Lock your suitcases and/or keep an eye on them
👀 Don’t leave your phone, wallet or camera unattended, behind you or under your seat you in a restaurant or train
⚠️💍 Don’t wear expensive jewelry to sightsee (especially large diamond rings)
When you are AWARE, you are also ready to HAVE FUN. And that’s what travel is all about! 🛫😎
😅 Save this post as a reminder.
⏩ Share this post with your travel partners.
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#Vernazza #traveltips #ruthstips #italytravel #safetytips #traintravel
Did you ever choose a vacation rental and think, “I wish I had known ….”
Waking up at the right vacation rental makes your vacation better.
If you are looking for unobstructed views over the sparkling Mediterranean Sea and extraordinary interiors that are beautiful and comfortable, our two apartments may be the right fit for you!
Perfect for couples and families because our apartments are very private and have only 1 bathroom!
🔗Link in bio to learn more about our seafront apartments:
✅ two bedroom Carattino 12 with 3 terraces
✅ one bedroom Il Ciasso with 1 terrace
#vernazza #cinqueterre #ruthstips #travel #italy #lifeinitaly
Ruth’s Tips: Want to avoid those crazy long passport control lines when you fly to the USA from Italy?
✅ Download the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app!
This FREE, SECURE app from US Customs and Border Protection allows US travelers to submit their travel document, photo, and customs declaration information on their smartphone AND skip the long lines.
🇮🇹🛫🇺🇸 We just arrived in JFK from Italy and using MPC made a HUGE difference: the lines for US citizens for passport control inspection were SOOOOOO long…and we just sailed through with MPC.
I filled out the entry process questions, uploaded photos for each member of our family, and submitted our information.
Saves hassle and overall wait time. Did I mention that it is FREE?
😅 Save this post as a reminder.
❤️ Follow me for more Ruth’s Tips to make your Cinque Terre, Italy vacation better.
#Vernazza #traveltips #ruthstips #italytravel
Do you know how to validate your physical train ticket in Italy?
Listen and watch this “Ruth’s Tips” to learn how to validate train tickets at train stations in Italy.
✅ Find the green “stamping for validation” box
✅ Insert your ticket into the small, green machine to get it validated BEFORE boarding the train.
⚠️ Please note: the green stamping machines are often located NEAR where you BUY your ticket but NOT necessarily on or near the train tracks so stamp before you head towards your train.
Easy. Done. Avoid the €50 fine!! 🤦🏻♀️
#TrainTravel #TrainTickets #TrainStations #Vernazza #LaSpezia #lifeinitaly #ruthstips
Ruth’s Tips: Even on vacation, prepare for emergencies ‼️
🚘 If you rent a car, know who to call if you have mechanical or other problems. Be familiar with your insurance.
💊👓 If you take medicine or wear prescription glasses, bring a copy of your prescription.
🛂 Take a photo of your passport (and email it to yourself).
😊 If you are staying at one of our seafront apartments in Vernazza and you have any sort of problem, call or write to me immediately: I will help you figure out whatever challenge you face.
The more prepared you are, the better things go, even on vacation! 🤞🍀
Buon viaggio!
#traveltips #ruthstips #lifeinitaly#Vernazza #Cinqueterre #italytravel
What is the most important thing to do on vacation?
Get a good night’s sleep 😴 AND take an afternoon nap!
We take great pride in offering comfortable beds and a choice of pillows. Our seafront location does the rest!
Don’t take my word for it, listen to what our guests say:
“At night, you can leave the sea doors open halfway and fall asleep listening to the waves crash against the rocks. I also really liked that although Vernazza is a tiny and chaotic town, there was never an issue with ambient noise coming from the street below.” - Thomas
Summer vibes include swimming, sea, and … sleeping!
Air conditioning ON. Vacation mode ON.
Some dates still available in August - November.
🔗link in bio to learn more
#vernazza #cinqueterre #italy #lifeinitaly #summervibes
Do NOT listen to me: listen to @russellcrowe (last night performing in La Spezia with The Gentlemen Barbers).
“Italy is one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
CINQUE TERRE, Portovenere, the Gulf of Poets…oh my God, it’s fantastic! Maybe I’ll come and live here.”
We agree!
Whenever you are ready to experience the magic of Cinque Terre, come stay with us in Vernazza.
Like this post if you love Italy. Follow me for an (almost) daily dose of Cinque Terre.
#cinqueterre #laspeziajazzfestival2024
Why stay with us in Vernazza, Cinque Terre?
This panoramic view over the Mediterranean Sea, as seen from the primary bedroom window in two bedroom Carattino 12.
Staying on the sea means you EXPERIENCE the sea
🌊 see gorgeous views
🌊 hear the sound of waves
🌊 taste and smell the salt in the air
A vacation in seafront Carattino 12 gives you the FEELING of RELAXATION.
Isn’t that an important part of why we all love vacation?
(BTY, if you want to be active, just walk out the door for hiking, swimming, boating, kayaking, and so much more!)
#vernazza #cinqueterre #viewfrommywindow #italy #vacation
Do you know what are the lights on the horizon ?
Local Cinque Terre boats fishing for anchovies in the traditional style! These fishing boats put out a bright light (called “lampara”) that shines onto the sea and attracts the anchovies.
When I first came to Cinque Terre in 1995 (!), I told my husband, on our first date, I eat everything except liver and anchovies. He promptly responded “well, I think you should try Cinque Terre anchovies tonight!”
He was right: fresh caught anchovies are DELICIOUS!
#vernazza #cinqueterre #lifeinitaly #italianfood #italiantradition
Sometimes life asks us questions and we cannot find answers.
I went to a funeral in Vernazza this week for a 30 year old local man who was an artist, brother, and son.
It felt like all of Vernazza participated in the shock and grief of this unexpected death.
My heart is broken for his parents, sister, extended family, and friends. For this entire community, young and old.
When I think of Vernazza, I think of her gorgeous natural beauty and the generations of families working together to build dry stonewalls to grow grapes in terraced vineyards.
I also think of the people who make up this community. So many public and private stories of lives filled with joy and laughter, but also heartbreak, grief, anger, and the whole range of human emotions and experiences.
Life, like the land of Cinque Terre, is beautiful AND fragile.
➡️ If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, anxiety or any sort of mental health issues, please reach out for help.
➡️ If you don’t know what to say or do for someone who might need help, reach out anyway.
➡️ Let your family, friends or neighbors know you care about them, with words or action.
Love ❤️
#vernazza #lifeinitaly #mentalhealthawareness
🚨Breaking News!
Remember when I made a reel a few weeks ago about how it is required to do a digital check-in on a digital train ticket on a regional train in Cinque Terre?
Yes, you still need to do it BUT…
👉 Starting from October 2024, Trenitalia has announced that the digital check-in on a digital ticket on these regional trains will NO LONGER be required.
I consider that a WIN for all of us taking trains to travel in Italy (a very convenient way to travel long distances AND in Cinque Terre).
As one follower commented, “just to be safe, VALIDATE EVERYTHING when you are in Italy. “ I agree!
😅 Save or Share the reel with someone who is planning a trip to Cinque Terre.
❤️ Follow me for more Ruth’s Tips to make your Cinque Terre vacation better.
#vernazza #traveltips #cinqueterre #ruthstips #traintravel
Ruth’s Tips: pack light but pack smart!
The weather can be unpredictable from March through mid-May and late September through early November.
Warm to hot one day and cool to cold another. Maybe with rain ☔️ …and sometimes all in one day!
Over the past two weeks in Vernazza:
➡️ my son went swimming
➡️ we ate outside on a delightful evening
➡️ I wore a wool sweater and rain jacket in freezing rain
➡️ I wore a T shirt and sandals in blazing sun
Bottom line: pack light but pack smart ! This means always bring clothes for the season you are in AND bring 1 extra layer.
In May, for a trip to Cinque Terre, you should pack :
✅ 3 short sleeve T-shirts
✅ 1 long sleeve T-shirt or cotton or linen shirt
✅ 1 cotton or wool/cashmere sweater OR light fleece
✅ 1 rain/wind jacket
✅ 1 scarf
✅ 1 pair of light cotton pants
✅ 1 pair of lightweight jeans
✅ 1 pair of shorts or leggings or Capri pants for hiking
✅ 1 dress or 1 top + wide-leg pants for dinner?
✅ Sneakers for hiking / sightseeing
✅ Ballerina flats for dinner ?
✅ Teva sandals or similar
✅ 1 bathing suit
Hope this helps! Save this post for your future travels and share it with your favorite travel partner(s).
#vernazza #cinqueterre #traveltips #ruthstips #howtopack #packingforcinqueterre
Can I tell you a secret?
July is AMAZING in Cinque Terre.
It’s perfect summer weather for :
🥾 early morning hiking
🌊 afternoons swimming in the sea
🥂 aperitivo on the terrace or in the piazza
✨ al fresco dining under the stars
Plan a vacation for these available dates at one of our seafront apartments in Vernazza:
Carattino 12: Idyllic Seafront Retreat
June 15-17 and June 27-29
July 6-11 and July 31-August 10
Il Ciasso: Romantic Seafront Escape
July 3-10 and July 24-26 and July 29-August 7
💬 Send me a message
🔗 Check out our website at the link in bio
#vernazza #cinqueterre #superhost #seafront #italytravel
Our laundry day is different at seafront Il Ciasso in Vernazza, Cinque Terre 🧺🌊
Are you looking for the best place ever to hang out your laundry? …Or relax? …Or walk out the front door onto the Cinque Terre National Park hiking trails? …Or fall asleep to the sounds of waves?
Il Ciasso may be the right place for you! Especially if you are looking for a romantic seafront escape with personalized hospitality by Ruth.
🔗 Link in bio for details about how to book Il Ciasso or two-bedroom Carattino 12 next door OR send me a direct message.
#vernazza #terracewithaview #italyfromawindow #ilciasso #bookdirect #lifeinitaly #italytravel
Join me for a 👀 look at the view from the Sanctuary Church of Nostra Signora di Reggio, 315 meters above Vernazza.
Enjoy stunning views of Vernazza and of the Mediterranean Sea from the bench under the tree in front of the Reggio Sanctuary Church. So peaceful. 🕊️
Next to the church, you can also see the oldest tree in Liguria, an 800 year old common Cypress. Cypress🌲
🥾The hike down to Vernazza on Trail 508 takes about 1 hour on a gently sloping trail made of stones, dirt and gravel, with some stairs. It is easy, free, never crowded, and great with kids!
There is such much to discover in Cinque Terre! Always get off the beaten path.
If you come stay with us, I’m happy to help find all the hidden places that we love.
Follow me for more Cinque Terre inspiration ❤️
DM or 🔗 link in bio to learn more about our apartments and to book.
#vernazza #cinqueterre #bookdirect #lifeinitaly #italytravel #ruthstips #hikingcinqueterre
Ruth’s Tips: Check your passport expiration date, before it is (potentially) too late!
If you are a US 🇺🇸, Canadian 🇨🇦 or Australian 🇦🇺citizen traveling to Italy 🇮🇹, your passport must be valid for at least 3 MONTHS beyond the expected date of your departure from Italy (or the Schengen area).
✅ I suggest at least 6 months validity on your passport to be safe.
✅ Go check your passport now!
Buon viaggio 🛫
NOTE:
US, Canadian, and Australian citizens do NOT need a VISA in 2024 to travel for up to 90 days in the Schengen area. In 2025, you will need to register with the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). ETIAS will be available from 2025. Your passport must be valid when completing the ETIAS Italy application and to travel to Italy.
😅 Save this post as a reminder.
❤️ Follow me for more Ruth’s Tips to make your Cinque Terre vacation better.
#traveltips #ruthstips #airtravel #italy #travel #cinqueterre
🚂 The train is often the cheapest, easiest, and fastest way to travel in Italy. Trenitalia trains go almost everywhere. Italo private train service runs only between major destinations.
In Cinque Terre, the Cinque Terre Express trains run every 20 minutes from La Spezia Centrale to Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, Monterosso, and Levanto. In the evenings, there is usually 1 train per hour.
✅ ALWAYS buy a ticket and VALIDATE (stamp) it before getting on.
✅ If you buy a DIGITAL TICKET, you must do the digital CHECK—IN on your app before getting on the train.
DO NOT FORGET to validate your paper or digital ticket because you risk a €50 fine.
Excuses do NOT work (“I didn’t know/I couldn’t find the machine”). DO IT. ALWAYS.
There have been major changes to the train ticket prices and Cinque Terre Card prices: I will post a full explanation 🔜
😅 Save this post as a reminder.
❤️ Follow me for more Ruth’s Tips to make your Cinque Terre vacation better.
#vernazza #traveltips #ruthstips #traintravel
Ruth’s Tips: Do you know where to stop when driving from Milan to Vernazza?
Our favorite option is to exit the Autostrada A1 at FIDENZA for lunch or snacks at KM90 @km90ristobottegaemiliana (RistoBottega Emiliana Silvano Romani).
It is an AWESOME specialty food market AND you can order freshly prepared food to eat at tables inside or outside.
We love the takeaway foods like speciality cold cuts and cheeses, dried porcini mushrooms, fresh and dried pastas, etc.
Our favorite prepared foods to order and eat are:
Hamburger Emiliano
Tortelli di erbetta (a specialty of Parma, these are a type of ravioli filled with cheese and spinach-like greens and served with a butter sauce and parmigiana sprinkled on top)
Platters of freshly sliced prosciutto with Torta Fritta (like a salty fried dough that you put the cold cuts in)
Panini of all types
BONUS:
You can SHOP at the Fidenza Village outlets (Prada, Armani, Zegna, Swatch, etc) off the same FIDENZA exit. Remember that you can shop “tax free” if you hold a US passport.
Combining FOOD and SHOPPING is the BEST.
Buon viaggio!
Like this post if you found it helpful. Any other suggestions?
#ruthstips #traveltips #italianfood #bookdirect #italiansdoitbetter
Do you like the feel of salty spray on your face?
Yes, me too. 🌊😎
Welcome to our new 2024 season, from the seafront terrace of one bedroom Il Ciasso.
Our first guests to Il Ciasso arrive today and it’s a big family renting both apartments. 😊❤️
Interested in experiencing your own Cinque Terre Vacation? DM or link in bio 🔗
#vernazza #cinqueterre #vernazzaitaly #cinqueterreitaly #italyfromawindow #bookdirect #lifeinitaly
#cinqueterrelove #Mediterraneanlife #staywithus #italytravel
Discover Vernazza in March 🍃☀️☔️🥾😎
March marks the new season in Cinque Terre, with hotels, vacation rentals, restaurants, bars, and shops opening for 2024.
It’s a great month to experience Cinque Terre. Explore Vernazza: go see the beautiful views behind the Church. Go hiking. Enjoy an aperitivo and the sunset.
The weather is warming up but you need to pack with layers and bring a jacket because it is still chilly in the mornings and evenings.
The promise of Spring in the air makes me smile 😊
#vernazza #cinqueterre #vernazzaitaly #cinqueterreitaly #bookdirect #lifeinitaly
#cinqueterrelove #cinqueterrenationalpark #Mediterraneanlife #naturelovers
