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  • 192. Ischia, Italy: Survive the Drive, Discover Paradise

    192. Ischia, Italy: Survive the Drive, Discover Paradise
    2025/07/23
    Please Follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook Kimberly and Tommaso share their adventures on the island of Ischia, from a comical car rental experience to a serene beach day. They address weather concerns for travelers and offer tips for visiting historical sites. Weather Concerns and Travel Advice: Kimberly and Tommaso respond to a review criticizing their warnings about extreme weather in Europe. They cite publications like Euro News, The Guardian, and the BBC who also address the issue and give advice as well. They stress the importance of sharing this information since it is affecting tourism to Italy and all of Europe. The Moke Adventure: Tommaso recounts a funny car rental experience involving an old moke with no seat belts, functioning windshield wipers or directionals. The drive to Castello Aragonese was challenging, with difficult roads and a tricky clutch. Kimberly and Tommaso always drive throughout Italy, but this particular day just wasn't enjoyable. Castello Aragonese and Travel Tips: Kimberly shares a travel tip regarding printed brochures at historical sites for accurate information. The history of Castello Aragonese is explored, noting its construction in 474 B.C. and subsequent rulers. By the 16th century, the island was home to nearly 1,900 families, nuns, and priests. The well-organized visit includes various structures and spaces, all of them impressive. Beach Day: Due to the challenging drive, they canceled the next day’s rental and opted for a beach day at Lido di Moronti. Beach Day at Lido di Maronti: They took a water taxi to the beach and were happily surprised at the reasonably priced beach clubs. The day included reading, swimming, and a flavorful lunch with fresh ingredients. Despite some crabby water taxi drivers, the beach day was a highlight of the trip. Future Plans: The next episode will cover their amazing time in Capri, including a boat tour around the island.
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    34 分
  • 191. Ischia, Italy: Discovering This Island Paradise!

    191. Ischia, Italy: Discovering This Island Paradise!
    2025/07/08
    Please Follow us on: ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook Kimberly and Tommaso share their experiences on the island of Ischia, near Napoli, Italy. They discuss Ischia’s geography, history, cuisine, beaches and the island’s appeal. Key Points: Initial Impressions of Ischia: Kimberly revisits Ischia after 30 years since her last visit, noting its idyllic scenery and vibrant colors. Tommaso recalls having the best pizza of his life upon arrival. Ischia is relatively small, about 46 square kilometers, yet offers diverse landscapes. Geography and Driving Challenges: The island has one main ring road, making travel slow due to curves and narrow roads. Driving can be difficult due to log jams caused by buses and parked cars. Kimberly and Tommaso canceled their rental car after one day due to the intense driving conditions. Historical and Geographical Makeup: Ischia is a volcanic island with fertile soil, home to diverse Mediterranean plants. The island was first inhabited by Greeks in the 8th century B.C. The Aragonese castle, built in 474 B.C., is a significant historical site. Tourism and Local Life: Ischia has a population of 60,000 residents and attracts 6 million tourists annually. The island offers a variety of accommodations from resorts to hotels in condensed villages. The cuisine is seafood-heavy, with excellent pizza and salads. Beaches and Weather: Ischia boasts sandy beaches, a unique feature compared to other islands like Capri. The island’s beaches are a major draw for mainland Italians. Tommaso provides a weather update, noting the extreme heat in Italy and warmer-than-usual Mediterranean temperatures. They advise listeners to stay hydrated and prepared for the heat. Next Episode: Kimberly and Tommaso will share the challenging but funny driving experience, as well their very interesting visit to the Aragonese Castle and luxurious day at a beach club.
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    26 分
  • 190. June 2025 Italian Travel Updates

    190. June 2025 Italian Travel Updates
    2025/06/24
    Please Follow us on: ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook Core Points of this episode: Be sure to thoroughly research online travel information; verify details before making plans, as social media posts and other sources can be misleading. Be aware of potential tourist scams, like fake petitions, and exercise caution when approached by strangers requesting signatures or donations. Respect art and cultural sites by refraining from disruptive behavior such as taking selfies or not paying attention to what is part of a museum exhibit. Prepare for extreme weather, including heat waves and intense storms, by staying updated on forecasts and having plans for seeking shelter. Anticipate possible travel disruptions due to strikes, especially during peak season, and check for updates from transport operators. Remember to register your travel plans with your government’s traveler enrollment program for safety alerts and advisories. Summary Travel Information and Misleading Content Kimberly and Tommaso emphasize the importance of verifying travel information found online. A humorous example is shared of an Instagram video showing a pharmacy sign in Rome displaying a false temperature of 46 degrees Celsius. This highlights how easily social media can spread misinformation, prompting listeners to be skeptical. Tourist Scams and Ethical Behavior We bring attention to tourist scams encountered in Italy, such as people with clipboards seeking signatures for a fake charity petition, later soliciting donations from those who sign. Kimberly and Tommaso also discuss the importance of respecting art and cultural sites. Examples of tourists causing damage, such as a couple breaking a crystal chair in a museum and a man falling into a painting at the Uffizi Gallery, highlight the need for visitors to be mindful and respectful of their surroundings. Weather Conditions and Preparedness The current hot weather in Italy and the likelihood of intense storms, especially in northern Italy, are discussed in detail. Kimberly and Tommaso advise travelers to plan for unexpected weather changes, as storms can come in quickly and cause flooding. They suggest seeking shelter during storms and adapting sightseeing plans to avoid the hottest parts of the day, such as lingering over lunch. Travel Disruptions Due to Strikes We provide information about potential transportation strikes in Italy. These strikes may affect train services and airport operations, with specific dates and times provided for planned actions. It is recommended to check for updates from train and airport operators closer to the travel dates to mitigate potential disruptions. Travel Advisories and Safety We share updates on travel authorization requirements, noting delays in implementing the ETIAS and EES systems. They also mention the U.S. State Department’s travel advisory regarding the conflict between Israel and Iran and potential demonstrations against U.S. citizens. This prompts listeners to register their travel plans with their government’s traveler enrollment program for safety alerts and advisories.
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    31 分
  • 189. Treviso's underrated charm a stones throw from Venice

    189. Treviso's underrated charm a stones throw from Venice
    2025/06/11
    In this episode, Kimberly and Tommaso share their experiences in Treviso, Italy, offering travel tips and historical insights. They explore Treviso’s charm, cuisine, and proximity to other Italian destinations. Key Points: Treviso: An Unheralded Italian Gem: Treviso is near Venice, offering similar canals and architecture but with fewer tourists. Despite attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors, it remains less crowded than Venice. Treviso’s blend of canals, medieval palaces and colorful facades create a visually appealing experience. Travel Tip: Photograph Everything: Document rental car damage with photos of the car, the other driver’s information, and interactions with rental agencies. This precaution can help resolve potential disputes with rental car companies. Historical and Cultural Highlights: Porta San Tommaso: An ornate gate featuring the Venetian lion, showcasing the city’s history. Fontana Delle Tette: The Fountain of Breasts, a sculpture that once spouted wine during the election of a new mayor, symbolizing the city’s rich past. Cuisine and Wine of Treviso: Prosecco: The popular wine of the Veneto region, with vine-covered hills recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Incrocio Manzoni: A local white wine similar to Riesling, enhancing the region’s diverse wine offerings. Tiramisu: Treviso is the birthplace of tiramisu, first introduced on a menu in 1972 at the restaurant Le Becchiere. Episode Highlights: Memorable aperitivo experiences include both elegant settings under arcades and laid-back atmospheres. Treviso is a great base for visiting vineyards, Padova, Vicenza, Trieste, and the Dolomites. Staying in Treviso offers a less crowded and more authentic experience compared to Venice, especially in the off season.
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    27 分
  • 188. Napoli at its CRAZIEST

    188. Napoli at its CRAZIEST
    2025/05/28
    In this episode, Kimberly and Tommaso share travel tips and tales from Naples / Napoli and its surrounding islands. They recount Tommaso’s first chaotic yet enlightening experiences in Napoli. Key Points: • Train Travel Tips: Finding your train number on digital displays on the train doors. • Business Class: A worthwhile upgrade for comfortable travel from Verona to Naples. • Taxi Travel: Use the designated taxi stand to avoid scams. Naples Experiences: • Chaotic Driving: First impressions of Napoli’s’ traffic mayhem. Lane markers and traffic signals? Just suggestions. • Sensory Overload: A city full of graffiti, scooters, and constant activity. Memorable Moments: • “Freddie Mercury”: A man resembling Freddie Mercury scavenges wooden panels in Napoli. • Enthusiastic Taxi Driver: A driver shares stories of his travels around America. • Pizza Pilgrimage: A quest for authentic Neapolitan pizza amidst championship celebrations. Futbol Championship Night: • Game Night: Streets filled with fans, fireworks, and endless car horns honking during the city-wide celebrations • Loudest Audio Ever: A memorable, noisy dinner while savoring pizza amidst the chaos. Airport and Departure: • Naples Airport: Arrive early due to long lines and potential gate changes. • Ryanair: Our first experience with budget airline travel. Final Thoughts: • Travel tips for navigating Naples and the Amalfi Coast. • A taste of Naples’ vibrant, chaotic energy. • Teaser for upcoming episodes on Treviso and the island-hopping adventures.
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    30 分
  • 187. Exciting day in the Dolomites and travel tips

    187. Exciting day in the Dolomites and travel tips
    2025/05/14
    In this episode, Kimberly and Tommaso share stories from their trip to the Dolomites, including a visit to Sterzing’s Christmas market, a somewhat harrowing yet comical drive, and a hotel that doubled as a hair salon. Key Points:

 Road trip: The hosts recount driving to the village of Sterzing near the Austrian border. 
Architectural and Cultural Highlights: Sterzing’s Charm: Noting the shift in architecture with a Germanic, Austrian feel.
 Christmas Market: Highlighting the non-commercial, authentic feel of the market. 
Culinary Experiences: 
Aromatic Market: The scents of onions and “worst” (German version of a hot dog) filled the air.
 Food Purchases: Buying honey, wine, cheese, and dried meat for friends. 
Scenic Route Gone Wrong: Back Roads: What seemed pretty on Google Maps turned into a nerve-wracking drive. Driving incident: The hosts recount a hit and run that turned into a very memorable exchange with the driver. 
Hotel Mishap in Treviso: Hair Salon Hotel: Kimberly booked a hotel that was also a hair salon but turned out to be a fine stay with very helpful staff.
 Final Thoughts:
 The hosts learned a lot and hope you did too! Teasing a future episode about Treviso.
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    33 分
  • 186. The village of Castelrotto in the Dolomite mountains

    186. The village of Castelrotto in the Dolomite mountains
    2025/04/29
    Please remember to follow us on Social Media! Grazie Mille! Instagram Facebook In this episode, Kimberly and Tommaso recount their visit to the Italian Dolomites, specifically the village of Castelrotto, during the quiet period before Christmas. They detail the unique architecture, culinary experiences, and a memorable hike to Chiesa San Valentino. Key Points: Introduction to Castelrotto: A picturesque mountain village with colorful buildings and unique architecture reflecting Austro-Hungarian influences. Travel Timing: The benefits of visiting in mid-December, before the Christmas rush. Architectural and Cultural Highlights: Unique Architecture: Discussion of onion-shaped domes on church steeples and ornamental de-signs on buildings. Car-Free Village: The convenience and charm of Castelrotto’s car-free environment. Culinary Experience: Memorable Dinner: Details of a three-course meal at a local hotel, featuring risotto, trout, and flan. Emphasis on local cuisine and presentation. The Hike to Chiesa San Valentino: Destination: A walk to the Church of St. Valentine (Chiesa San Valentino) in Alpe di Siusi. Landscape: Description of the stunning Alpine meadow and the church’s idyllic setting. Solitude: The experience of visiting the church with no other tourists around Final Thoughts: Recommendation to visit Castelrotto in mid-December for a quiet, crowd-free experience. Teaser for the next episode, which will also focus on the Dolomite mountains.
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    23 分
  • 185. Italy Travel Tips: Cyber Security & Staying Safe

    185. Italy Travel Tips: Cyber Security & Staying Safe
    2025/04/27
    Remember to follow us on Social Media! Grazie Mille! Instagram Facebook In this episode, Tommaso discusses how to manage cyber and personal security risks while traveling, particularly in tourist hotspots. He shares practical tips to protect against scams and pickpockets, ensuring a safer travel experience. Key Points: Cybersecurity Risks: Travelers are prime targets for cybercriminals due to their reliance on public Wi-Fi and charging stations. Skimming devices and compromised Wi-Fi routers are common methods used to steal personal data. Criminals are getting more sophisticated with phishing and vishing schemes Personal Safety: Pickpocketing is prevalent in popular tourist destinations like Rome and Venice. Organized criminal groups operate strategically, often with women performing thefts and men watching for law enforcement. Large crowds and momentary distractions provide ideal cover for these activities. Episode Highlights: Cybersecurity Tips: Avoid using public USB charging stations due to the risk of juice jacking. Use a portable charging brick and a backpack with an external charging port. Use cellular data or an eSIM instead of public Wi-Fi whenever possible. Use a VPN to encrypt your internet traffic, especially on public Wi-Fi. Only use ATMs inside banks to avoid skimming devices and shoulder surfing. Personal Safety Tips: Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. Use money belts and hotel safes to protect valuables. Avoid showing off expensive items like jewelry. Keep wallets in front zipped pockets. Resources and Links: This is the link that will help you extend your phones batter life while traveling. Save Battery
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    23 分