Read About Can't Miss Places, Travel Tips

How to Pack Light for Europe: My Carry-On Packing List

Packing for Europe doesn't have to mean hauling a giant suitcase. Learn how I travel for 2½ months with a 20-inch carry-on and personal item, including tips for clothing, shoes, toiletries, packing cubes, and more.

Cruising, Europe, Italy, Places to Visit in Italy, Read About Can't Miss Places, Travel Tips

How to Book Trains in Italy: A Complete Guide to Italian Train Travel

After 15+ years of traveling by train in Italy, I’ve learned that booking an Italian train ticket is easier than it first appears. Here’s how to compare Trenitalia and Italo, choose between high-speed and regional trains, understand ticket classes and fares, and decide whether to book directly or through Omio.

Europe, Italy, Places to Visit in Italy, Travel Tips

How Much Euro Should I Bring to Italy? Cash Tips for First-Time Visitors

Planning a trip to Italy and wondering how much euro you'll need? Here's when to carry cash, how much is reasonable, and the cheapest way to get euro once you arrive.

Europe, Italy, Places to Visit in Italy, Read About Can't Miss Places, Rome, Travel Tips

The Best Restaurants in Rome (2027): A Local Food Guide from a Historian Who’s Visited 15+ Times

Looking for the best restaurants in Rome? Discover authentic trattorias, pizza, pasta, gelato, street food, cooking classes, food tours, and hidden gems recommended by a professional historian who's visited Rome over a dozen times.

Europe, Read About Can't Miss Places, Travel Tips

Common Scams in Italy (and Europe) + How to Avoid Them

Worried about scams in Italy or Europe? Learn the most common pickpocketing tricks, tourist scams, and safety tips—plus how to protect your money, phone, and travel plans.