Wanderfully You

🥹 Here’s why I’m SO grateful this was under our tree this year 👇🏽 I have had some version of a map on my wall for over a decade - although I always dreamed of having one that I could personalize! When I came across Enjoy the Wood, I immediately fell in love with their carefully crafted and handmade maps. I was so excited to finally replace my sticky lil IKEA map (which was starting to peel at the ends 😅) with this stunning map that would tell the story of our own travels. This is a map that makes memories and holds them. ❤️ We had an absolute BLAST putting it up on our wall - it turned redecorating into a night of dancing to Christmas music, exploring the details of the world, and laughing at our childish excitement🥹. Needless to say, it completely transformed our living room! Talk about a glow up ✨. And if you watch the whole video, you’ll see that even Zorro approves of the new look 😸. So why is @enjoythewood_ ‘s wooden travel map the best christmas gift for the fellow travel lover in your life (and yes that travel lover could be YOU 😄) ?!?!?! ⭐️ it is handmade, high quality and long lasting ⭐️ you’ll be supporting a Ukrainian family business ⭐️ it doesn’t miss any details - the islands are also represented! ⭐️ it is extremely easy and fun to apply ⭐️ they have a variety of different sizes and colors that suit all living rooms. Have I convinced you?! With my code WANDERFULLYYOU you’ll get 10% off your purchase!! 🙌🏽. Simply head to the link below to shop for your favorite map 🥰.

👇🏼 FIVE DAY TRIPS FROM VENICE 👇🏼 . Don’t get me wrong - I looove Venice. I lived there for a little under a year myself and have lots to say about all that it has to offer! . BUT if you’re looking to: . 👉🏼 experience the real pulse of Italian daily life 👉🏼 find quality local food & wine at low prices 👉🏼 not battle thousands of other tourists 👉🏼 disappear into the towns where you’ll hear nothing but Italian spoken all around you . ...then follow along for this series! 🇮🇹 . I have spent the last 13 years exploring Veneto as this is the land where my husband comes from - and I have SO much to share about visiting it off the beaten track! . However, the content I have doesn’t currently match my geographical knowledge of the region 😄 SO we are starting with five places! 👇🏼 . ⭐ Asolo - a picturesque and artistic hilltop medieval village . ⭐ Castelfranco Veneto - a historic center within medieval walls . ⭐ Treviso - known as the “little” Venice, and much less touristy! . ⭐ Prosecco hills - to live out all your Italian wine dreams . ⭐ Ville Venete - Historic villas from the Venetian republic . I’ll be diving more into each of these places over my next posts, so stay tuned! . Have you heard of any of these places? 😊 . For more Italy off the beaten track and cultural tidbits follow along @wanderfully_you 😍 . . . . . #daytrips #italyitinerary #italygram #venetogram #visitveneto

Do yourself a favor and SAVE this jaw-dropping boutique hotel for your future tuscany trip! 👇🏼 . Usually, we visit and admire historic buildings within the span of a brief tour – can you imagine getting to actually STAY in one of these rooms and fall asleep while admiring frescoes painted hundreds of years ago?! . Welcome to @delcortosuites – one of the most unique stays that you’ll find in Italy! . The history of this palazzo began in the 16th century when the noble Del Corto family settled in Montepulciano and built their home right in the historic center. As the family became integrated within the cultural and economic life in the city, their palazzo became more embellished with fine frescoes and decor that would impress the numerous guests that they hosted at parties, balls and banquets in these very rooms. . Centuries later, the last descendant of the Del Corto family began the work of renovation and modernization of the palazzo, a tedious process that took four years in order to ensure the protection of the original interior. The result became a boutique hotel that allows guests to step right into history, enjoying modern comforts while also marveling over the original 16th-century allure. . The cherry on top of all the wonder? Your stay comes with a gourmet breakfast prepared by an in-house chef using seasonal and fresh ingredients coming from local farmers. Their menu is inventive, extensive and satisfies all sorts of tastes – alongside the main dish, you’ll also enjoy a buffet of fruits, artisan cookies and pastries as well as fresh smoothies and coffee cultivated with flavors of this very land. 🤤 . When I say jaw-dropping, I really mean it – I swear I was walking around the place with my mouth wide open as I admired every detail and listened to the story of its creation. It’s impossible to not feel the history and wonder of the Del Corto family’s home with every step. 💫 . Tomorrow I’ll be sharing my favorite photos and more

IS EGYPT SAFE? 👇 . I've been drawn to Egypt for so many years, yet I was kept from seriously thinking about going because I had so many voices in my ears: “It is too risky to travel there,” “It isn’t safe for women,” “It would be better to wait until there is less of a risk of terrorist attacks,” etc.... . When I got there and was surrounded by the pure warmth and kindness of the Egyptian people, I felt simultaneously a sense of gratitude and shame. How could I as an avid traveler let myself be impacted by these internalized biases? . But I also know that we cannot put so much blame on ourselves, for how could we truly know differently when we are bombarded by the fear mongering perpetuated in the media? . This also made me realize the vital importance of the stories that we tell one another. . So, here is mine: . Egypt is one of those places where I felt an overwhelming sense of joy upon interacting with the locals. We were embraced at each turn, from restaurant owners, to conference organizers, to hosts, tour guides, and passersby. When we needed help, we were humbled by the extent people would go to be of service. 💖 . Is it always butterflies and rainbows? Of course not. Are there people who talk to you only to get your money? Yes. Are there times when you have to exercise caution, especially as a woman? Absolutely. Is it always comfortable? No. Just as I experienced the good, I also experienced the less glamorous moments in which I felt less at ease. . But I refuse to let this dominate the stories that I tell about Egypt. The genuine good in the country far outweighs the bad. This good is what deserves to be told. . There *are* ways to make your trip more comfortable! My biggest suggestion is investing in a guide and drivers. This will drastically reduce your chances of being approached, and you’ll get to form relationships with locals who want to show you the beauty of their country. It’s a win win! . Egypt will forever be in my heart

When did you last feel that time stood still? 💫 . Seeing the pyramids at sunrise is a moment that will be ingrained into my memory for the rest of my life. Peace before the chaos. Ancient beauty looming over modern life. Truly an indescribable feeling that I am still not over. 🥲 . Tell me about a time you experienced something similar in the comments! ♥️

Nothing like long layover in ATHENS 😍 . We have always loved exploring Greek islands (it’s my husband’s favorite thing to do) and have always deprioritized visiting mainland Greece… . Well now that has changed! Athens graciously slapped us in the face with the realization that Greece is SO Much more than just the island getaways. 🇬🇷 . The moment we stepped off of the train into the city, we fell in love – do you know how some cities just have a vibrance in the air, a warmth that makes you feel so welcome that you picture what it would be like to drop everything and just stay there forever? . That’s how Athens felt to us! 😍 . It felt as if it couldn’t get any better – and then suddenly we went up to a rooftop and witnessed one of the most magical sunsets of all time 💫 . Would you do the same for a view like this? . For travel tips, itinerary ideas and cultural tidbits, follow along! For travel coaching, see the link in my bio ♥️

Do you know what tiramisù means?! . This is my favorite thing to teach my students on the first day of Italian! . The very word tiramisu gives an explanation of the dessert itself: . TIRA comes from the verb tirare, meaning to “to pull” MI is “me” SU is “up” . So quite literally, it is a dessert that is supposed to “pull you up” – or in English, you could say it is a “pick me up!” This is both because of the espresso kick it gives and because it will just make you happy when you eat it! 😍 . Despite its simple ingredients, the end result can differ greatly depending on the technique used to make it, and everyone has their own opinion as to what consistency makes for the “best” tiramisu. 👌🏼 . A delicious tiramisu is all in the cream – you don’t want it too runny, too sweet, or for it to retain the “egg” taste or smell. Next it’s important to dip the cookies in the espresso for *just* the right amount of time. You don’t want cookies that are too soggy or too dry! 🚫 . Now if you want to taste a delectable tiramisù while in Rome, definitely visit this spot! It is called 📍“Two sizes” and they serve up many different flavors such as strawberry, pistachio and peanut butter. However, you cannot beat getting the classic tiramisù, and that’s what I recommend trying if you want that traditional taste! . Have you tasted tiramisù? How do you like it best? 😊 . For more Italy and travel content to help you make the best out of your next trip, follow along! For travel coaching, see the link in my bio to book a free discovery call ♥️

📍Save this lunch spot for your Rome trip! . If you’re looking for the perfect lunch on the go, you should without a doubt taste the traditional roman pizza served up by Roscioli! 🍕 . All of their products are freshly baked daily, and you can try not only their pizza but also their bread, cakes, supplì and a la carte dishes! There are so many pizza options to choose from and believe me, you’ll be tempted to try them all 🤤 . In 1972 Marco Roscioli purchased an original bakery from 1824 with the desire to give his community the best possible bread each and every day. They carry the traditional methods of baking they have learned since they were children, and consider their work “not a profession, but a true art.” ♥️ . Roscioli has multiple locations that serve different services, from a restaurant to a bakery and wine club– you want to be sure that you visit the right location (they are all next to one another!). This is Antico Forno Roscioli 📍 . This is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, so expect to wait in line and maybe even eat standing! I can assure you that it is worth it 🙌🏼 . What’s your favorite topping for pizza? . For more Italy and travel tips, inspiration and itinerary ideas, follow along! For travel coaching, visit the link in my bio to book a free discovery call 😍

Things to know about renting a vespa in Rome 👇🏼 . 📍Save this post for your Rome trip! . There is nothing that screams classic Rome more than cruising its streets by vespa.🛵 . Maybe you’re like me and would like to feel like Audrey Hepburn or Lizzie McGuire cruising on the back while a cute Italian takes you around the city, or maybe you want to feel the freedom of zipping around yourself – either way, this is an incredible way to see the city from a different perspective! 👀 . You can go on a guided vespa tour if you’d like, but if you’re like us and are looking for more independence, you can rent one yourself and tour on your own terms. . Here are some things to know: . 🚗 If you are from the US, you need an international driving license Driving any sort of vehicle in Italy requires this, so if you’re looking to drive in Italy be sure to plan this in advance! (If you are from another non-European nation, this could apply to you as well! Make sure to look into it 👍🏼) . 🤪 Be prepared for a bumpy ride through the center! Italy’s infamous cobblestone streets are beautiful but definitely make for a bumpy ride – if you’re looking for smoother roads, spend the day visiting the viewpoints on the outskirts of the city, or maybe even cruising into the countryside! . 🛵 Where to rent: I rented from the company “Rome for You” as they had a great deal. Here are their costs: 40 euro / 4 hours, 59 euro / one day, 116 euro / two days … so on (they have deals up to 7 days of rental!). This company was really great and he even let us keep the vespa for an extra hour at the same price 😍 . ⏳If possible, I recommend renting for a whole day (if not more)! That will give you time to tour around sights at a relaxed pace, allowing time to stop for food along the way without feeling like you’re running out of time. . Have you ever been on a vespa? 😃 . For more Italy and travel tips and ideas, follow along! For travel coaching

Why this was my favorite experience of Roman ruins 👇🏼 . I've always been fascinated by ruins, but have a hard time wrapping my head around what life would have actually looked like in these ancient residences. . This is what made visiting the House of Augustus (Domus Augusti) SO interesting – since it has been completely enclosed to preserve the paintings/decor (that are still in tact!), you are able to walk through it as if it were a "real" home. . Rather than looking at the ruins from above or walking around broken down walls trying to piece it all together, you get to walk through what would have been corridors and peek into rooms that still contain the interior decor chosen by the Emperor himself. 👀 . Who was Augustus? 👉🏼 he was the first emperor of Rome and he lived in this house on top of Palatine Hill from 63 BC to AD 14. His home marks a crucial transition in Roman history when Palatine shifted from a residential hill to a seat of the Empire. It was only discovered in the '60s and intensive restoration work took course until 2008 when it was finally opened to the public. . How to see it? 🎟 you must purchase the SUPER TICKET as an add on to your general entry for the Colosseum, Forum and Palatine Hill. This gives you access to an extra 7 places which have space restrictions to keep from large groups crowding these highly protected spaces. . Is it worth it? 💯 without a doubt, yes! This site holds a great deal of political and artistic significance and is a unique archeological wonder. It literally sits on the grounds that Rome was founded on (you'll see what are believed to be the very first Roman houses nearby). It also gives an intimate feel within the overwhelming experience of visiting the vast grounds of Palatine and the Forum! . Would you visit the House of Augustus? . For more Italy and travel tips and inspiration, follow along! For travel coaching (and a special 30% deal off my Italy packages) visit the link in my bio to b

….and his american wife has been three times 😄 . But hey, after 30 years he finally made it! 🙌🏼 . Having romanticized the gladiators and the roman empire since he was young, this was certainly a big deal. Not to mention it his country’s capital city 🇮🇹 . Needless to say, he LOVED it! . I have always poked fun at him for this, but I remember how easy it can be to put off visiting the important places in our own country because they are “just around the corner,” and prioritize traveling to the wonders of other places. . I still haven’t been to New York City, for example! Although I’d say a 6 hour flight from California is more cumbersome than a 6 hour car ride … 😉 . But also, it took me 18 years to finally visit San Francisco for the first time! 🌉 . We all sometimes underestimate the incredible places we have close to home as we are busy romanticizing of what is elsewhere 🌍 . Do you have a capital or a famous place in your home country that you still haven’t visited?! . . . . . . . . . . . #rome #colosseum #firsttime #newexperience #capitalcity #touristinmyowncountry #touristinyourowncountry #roma #visitrome #romeguide #rometravelers #italyguide #italytravel #italygram #eternalcity #eternalcityroma #capitaloftheworld #bucketlist #colosseumrome #travelcoach #travelcoaching #travelguide #traveldiaries #lifeexperience #travelwithme Travel reel. Travel content. Italy travel. Travel blog. Italy ideas.

Do you know the connection between Valentine’s Day & Rome? ♥️ . The certain origin of Valentine’s Day is a bit mysterious, but it has traces of both Christian and ancient Roman traditions. . According to legend, there are two main beliefs as to why it is celebrated on February 14th: . 💘 The first is in honor of Saint Valentine who was known as the patron saint of lovers and died as a martyr in Rome on February 14th, 273. There are many legends around his connection to love: some say that when Emperor Claudius II outlawed marriage for young men (because he believed they made better soldiers as single men than married), Saint Valentine performed marriages in secret and was condemned to death when he was discovered. Others say that he sent the first Valentine to a woman he loved while in prison which he signed “From your Valentine.” Unfortunately for him, all legends end with him being beheaded by the Emperor for not rejecting his Christian faith. . 💘 The second is that it comes from the ancient pagan festival held in Rome each year on February 15th that traces as far back as the 6th century BC. It was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus. The rituals were bloody and violent, filled with sacrifice of goats and dogs and gently slapping women with the animal hides in order to ward off infertility. This also led to matchmaking, as legend states that women would place their names in a big urn to be chosen at random by a man which would often end in marriage. . Lastly, the famous figure of cupid is the ancient Roman god of love (also known in Greek as Eros) 🏹 . So even with the legends of Valentine’s Day, all roads lead to Rome! 🇮🇹 . Did you know anything about the origin of this celebration of love? ♥️ . Happy Valentine's Day to all who celebrate! 🥰 . . . . #valentine #thatsamore #rome #colosseum #romanticvideo #culturalhistory #italyguide #italyg

WHY TURKEY HAS MORE FUN 💃 . Something that blew my mind was the experience of eating out for dinner in Turkey. In many of the restaurants that we went to for dinner across the country, the same exact thing happened: . At a certain point, the music got a little louder. One table started to sing. Another table joined in. Another table got up to dance. Followed by another, and another. Eventually, the majority of the restaurant was on their feet and dancing together, singing their hearts out and having the time of their lives. 🕺 . I loved this SO much.There was something so electric about the atmosphere that this created – the sense of community and joy was contagious. I wanted nothing more than to get up and dance with them myself, even if I didn’t know any of the songs! . Our Turkish friends have told us that they often play older popular songs that everyone is likely to know, and that this is very common all over Turkey. In fact, it is often something that those who move away really miss while they are living abroad. It makes sense – one can really feel how this tradition creates a sense of togetherness and shared happiness with those around us. If this were what I grew up with, I would miss it too! 🎶 . The question is: why DON’T we do this?! Isolation and taking ourselves seriously has become the norm in far too many places. How wonderful it would be to normalize singing, being loud, getting up and being silly in public– for no reason at all other than just to have fun? We far too often forget to incorporate playfulness and joy into our daily lives, although it is known to be so good for our mental well-being. ♥️ . Who else would love to make this a thing? 🙌🏼 . For more travel tips and inspiration to make the best out of your next trip, follow along! For travel coaching, see the link in my bio. 🥰 . . . . . . #visitturkey #turkey #turkeytravel #turkeytraveldiaries #turkeyguide #turkeytravelplanner #thingstodointurkey #thingstodo #tra

🏺LEARN TRADITIONAL POTTERY IN CAPPADOCIA 🏺 . Save this post for your trip! ❤ . Looking for an interesting cultural experience during your stay in Cappadocia? Head to Avanos to learn about the region’s ancient pottery traditions and try your hand at it! 🤲🏼 . Avanos is a village about 8 kilometers from Göreme (where most people choose to stay), and it sits on the banks of the Kizilirmak, or the Red River. This river is known for providing the red clay that craftsmen use to make their infamous pottery. It is said that pottery in this region dates back to about 2000 BC, and it takes many years of training and experience to become a skilled potter. . In Avanos you’ll come across many family-run pottery shops that still use these historical techniques, creating gorgeous pieces from scratch using a foot driven spinning wheel ⚙ . The town offers pottery workshops, or there are also many shops which give you the opportunity to try the technique out yourself. This will be included in the price if you buy some pottery from the shop, or if you are not interested in buying anything then you can work out a reasonable price to pay. Although, I must say a handmade and hand-painted piece of pottery makes for the perfect memory of your trip! I bought a few bowls, a decorative plate and a spoon rest 😍 . I can highly recommend the shop @chezbircan– the shop owner and pottery artist were both very kind and welcoming. They also have a large selection of unique handmade pieces, not to mention a sweet little kitty to keep you company which you shop! 🐈 . Would you be interested in learning how to make traditional pottery? 😉 . For travel tips and inspiration to help you make the best out of your next trip, follow along! For travel coaching, visit the link in my bio. 🙌🏼

🏍 PROS & CONS OF CAPPADOCIA QUAD TOUR 🏍 . If you’re looking for an adventurous way to see the Cappadocian hillside, then a quad tour could be right up your alley! However there are some things to be taken into consideration that I wish I would have known before booking, so here is a list I hope will help you: . PROS: 👍🏼More fun & unique than taking bus or taxi between viewpoints 👍🏼Opportunity to see many different viewpoints 👍🏼Watch sunset on top of the Cappadocian hills 👍🏼Great if you are new to driving quads . CONS 👎🏼Not a lot of time to enjoy each viewpoint 👎🏼Feels a bit rushed like you’re being shuffled around for quick photo ops 👎🏼Not as fun if you’re an experienced quad driver as you go in one long line very slowly and don’t have a lot of freedom 👎🏼You will be SWALLOWED in dust (see the clip at the end how they remove all the dust!) 😄 . THE VERDICT As someone who grew up driving quads and doesn’t like feeling rushed on tours, I would not personally book this again. All I wanted to do was have the freedom to drive off into the sunset instead of driving like a snail 😛 With that being said, I CAN see how this is a great option for beginners, families, or those wanting a mixture of photo ops/adventure and are short on time! 👌🏼 . I hope this list is helpful! Does this seem like it is up your alley? . For more travel tips and ideas to help you make the best out of your future travels, follow along! For travel coaching, visit the link in my bio. ❤

HOT AIR BALLOONS: IS IT REALLY WORTH THE HYPE? 🎈 . Did you know that the commercial flying of hot air balloons in Cappadocia is relatively new? . The very first company was founded in 1991 by balloon pilots Kaili Kidner from England and her husband Lars-Eric More from Sweden. Since then, 25 balloon companies have opened with more than 100 balloons flying every morning year round. 🪂 . SOME THINGS TO KNOW: . 🎈Book in advance! - given most people come to Cappadocia exactly for this reason, the balloons fill up quickly. It is best to book before your trip so you don’t make the trip all the way there to be told there is no more space! . 🎈Plan for at least 2-3 mornings in Cappadocia - The balloon rides are dependent on the weather. If winds are high or visibility is low, they will not go up. Therefore you want to have at least 2 mornings just in case your balloon flight gets canceled. . 🎈It isn’t cheap! - The balloon flights start at 180 euro per person, so be sure to plan this in your budget. Luckily Cappadocia isn’t too expensive otherwise, so it helps to balance it out. . 🎈The balloons can go up to 3,000 feet above ground! - If you are petrified of heights, perhaps this isn’t your thing. Floating in a basket this high above the ground is not for the faint of heart. Then again, maybe it’s a way to face your fears?! . SO, is it worth it?! . Without a doubt!!!!! I would live this experience over and over again in a heartbeat. It is surreal, breath-taking, thrilling, mystical, joy-inducing – all the things that make up a once in a lifetime experience. All I can say is go, go, go!! 😍 . Is this on your bucket list? . For more tips and inspiration to help you make the best of your future travels, follow along! For travel coaching, follow the link in my bio. ❤

🛥 PROS & CONS OF GROUP BOAT TRIPS 🛥 . Boat tours can be a lot of fun and are a great way to see many beautiful places in a day. At the same time, they can be stressful and a bit chaotic as you’ll be shuffled from place to place and will be dealing with big crowds of people. So here are some things to consider when pondering if a group boat trip is right for you: . PROS: ✔ Visit places you could not access on your own ✔ Don’t have to worry about navigating on your own ✔ See multiple beaches in one day ✔ Guaranteed that you’ll visit amazing swimming spots ✔ Fills up an entire day, including lunch ✔ Easy to meet and connect with other travelers CONS: ❌ The boats are often filled to the max ❌Beaches you visit are very crowded with people from other tours ❌ Only have short periods of time in each swimming spot ❌ Food is often mediocre ❌Not very relaxing . Ultimately I like taking boat trips if I am short on time and wasn’t able to plan out all of the locations I wanted to visit and the ways to get there. If I have some other days for relaxation, I’m happy to have a busier day on the boat. Sometimes it’s nice to just be taken places without having to think about it! 😉 . With that being said, every time I always find myself getting annoyed with the pressure I feel to get my swimming in before the time is up in each place 🙈 . Do you like group boat trips? If you haven’t been, does it sound like your thing? . Follow along for more tips to help you make the best out of your future travels! For travel coaching, see the link in my bio ❤