Skipping Bordeaux Might Be the Biggest Mistake of Your France Trip

Is Alberobello Still Worth Visiting?

Alberobello is one of the most famous destinations in Puglia, but it’s also one of the most debated. As more travelers add Alberobello to their Italy itineraries, I’m increasingly hearing the same question: Is Alberobello still worth visiting, or has tourism changed the experience too much? In this episode, I share my honest perspective after returning to Alberobello and explain why opinions about this unique town are often so divided. While some visitors leave disappointed, others consider it one of the highlights of their trip through Puglia. In my experience, the difference usually comes down to how you visit and what you choose to experience once you arrive. I discuss the realities of visiting Alberobello today, from navigating crowds, parking, and summer heat to understanding the difference between the town’s two historic trulli districts. I also share some of the most meaningful experiences from my recent visit, including conversations with local residents who still live inside traditional trulli homes and the stories that reveal a side of Alberobello many travelers never discover. Whether you're planning a Puglia itinerary, researching the best places to visit in Southern Italy, or wondering if Alberobello deserves a place on your trip, this episode offers practical travel advice, local insight, and a deeper look at one of Italy’s most recognizable UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Most importantly, I explain how to experience Alberobello in a way that feels authentic, memorable, and truly worth your time. __ 0:01 Is Alberobello Still Worth Visiting? 1:49 Why Some Visitors Leave Alberobello Disappointed 4:14 The Alberobello Most Tourists Never Experience 5:08 Inside a Traditional Trullo: Stories From Local Residents 7:21 How I Would Visit Alberobello Today 8:27 The Best Alberobello Experiences: Local Guides and Puglian Cuisine 12:24 My Honest Verdict: Is Alberobello Worth Including in a Puglia Itinerary? __ Connect with me:  Fabulous Vita Travel Agency : ⁠https://fabulousvita.com [https://stayfabulousbyag-dot-yamm-track.appspot.com/2NpY93U5GLoU72NHLL7dFKkQFbDWGjxKUty8tc482Po6SGeTqkwG23wYN5TR11H3A7bfzznMzY2RP_e8KzD8Ti-9oJ6h6IrODpy12ilPk02r9CyLFSAIUfFm50rWh6tnyYVQ94jNxGeK2OHHYpphvnc409QO0zajv37TbINaPFDBYNeAEQw] Youtube Channel : ⁠https://youtube.com/c/StayFabulousTL⁠ [https://stayfabulousbyag-dot-yamm-track.appspot.com/2i8BZfuaBZIwKs_oFyFKv-L79OCL3cR7NvSNAZv0hF7iQGeTqkwGFRC6AXGg9FrLP725zwiUoNIRvEjZhsHYnIUVMkPLoJCjeUmlp_HCs80lmxUcJg4XOfHGI4bd7HnwFYxso7EKiHr8CrxQ_-1Vs4waBreUNrV9pPmh3y79jy7gWrH1BYLnkHYnG] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anastasiya.gorshkova/ [https://www.instagram.com/anastasiya.gorshkova/]

The Amalfi Coast Is Not What People Think

If you’re planning a trip to the Amalfi Coast and expecting it to feel exactly like the photos you’ve seen online, this episode may completely change the way you approach one of Italy’s most iconic destinations. After living in Italy for over a decade, traveling to the Amalfi Coast for nearly twenty years, and running a travel agency that organizes bespoke trips to Italy, I’ve observed that two people can visit the Amalfi Coast at the exact same time and leave with completely different experiences. In this episode, I share the biggest mistakes I repeatedly see first-time travelers make, from underestimating Amalfi Coast transportation and summer traffic to trying to see too much in too little time. I also talk about the reality of ferries, the chaos surrounding the Blue Grotto in Capri, and why rushing between Positano, Capri, Amalfi, Ravello, and Pompeii often takes away from the very beauty people come here to experience. Most importantly, I explain what truly makes the Amalfi Coast unforgettable. Beyond the crowded streets and Instagram photos, this coastline reveals itself through slower, more intentional experiences - private boat days, hidden grottos, local food, breathtaking coastal hikes like the Path of Gods, and the quiet moments that allow you to genuinely connect with the beauty of southern Italy. Whether you’re planning your first Amalfi Coast itinerary, searching for luxury Italy travel inspiration, or trying to understand the best way to experience Positano and Capri without feeling overwhelmed, this episode will help you approach the Amalfi Coast in a far more authentic, balanced, and unforgettable way. __ 0:00 The Amalfi Coast Is Not What Most Travelers Expect 2:23 The Biggest Amalfi Coast Mistake: Underestimating Logistics 4:55 Why Trying to See Everything Ruins the Amalfi Coast 8:53 The Truth About Ferries Between Positano, Capri, and Sorrento 15:15 Is the Blue Grotto in Capri Actually Worth It? 17:15 Hidden Capri: Grottos, Swimming Spots, and Quiet Corners Most Tourists Miss 18:25 The Amalfi Coast Beyond Positano and Instagram Photos 19:33 The Path of Gods Hike: The Most Unforgettable Experience on the Amalfi Coast 22:30 The Secret to Experiencing the Amalfi Coast the Right Way __ Connect with me:  Fabulous Vita Travel Agency : ⁠https://fabulousvita.com [https://stayfabulousbyag-dot-yamm-track.appspot.com/2NpY93U5GLoU72NHLL7dFKkQFbDWGjxKUty8tc482Po6SGeTqkwG23wYN5TR11H3A7bfzznMzY2RP_e8KzD8Ti-9oJ6h6IrODpy12ilPk02r9CyLFSAIUfFm50rWh6tnyYVQ94jNxGeK2OHHYpphvnc409QO0zajv37TbINaPFDBYNeAEQw] Youtube Channel : ⁠https://youtube.com/c/StayFabulousTL⁠ [https://stayfabulousbyag-dot-yamm-track.appspot.com/2i8BZfuaBZIwKs_oFyFKv-L79OCL3cR7NvSNAZv0hF7iQGeTqkwGFRC6AXGg9FrLP725zwiUoNIRvEjZhsHYnIUVMkPLoJCjeUmlp_HCs80lmxUcJg4XOfHGI4bd7HnwFYxso7EKiHr8CrxQ_-1Vs4waBreUNrV9pPmh3y79jy7gWrH1BYLnkHYnG] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anastasiya.gorshkova/ [https://www.instagram.com/anastasiya.gorshkova/]

Why Rome Feels So Overwhelming for Tourists

Most travelers arrive in Rome believing they have planned everything perfectly, only to quickly realize that the city feels far more overwhelming in reality than it ever did online. In this episode, I talk about why Rome so often exhausts travelers, not because the city itself is difficult, but because most itineraries are built without understanding how Rome actually functions once you are here. In this episode, I unpack the small planning decisions that quietly shape the entire Rome experience and break down the logistical and cultural mistakes travelers often make. From scheduling too much immediately after arrival and underestimating how long it takes to move around Rome, to relying on taxis for airport transfers or booking major attractions too late, we discuss the details that can quickly turn excitement into unnecessary stress. I also explain why some of Rome’s most extraordinary experiences - such as the Domus Aurea or Palazzo Colonna require far more strategic planning than travelers expect, and why places like the Borghese Gallery continue to surprise visitors with how quickly tickets disappear. Beyond logistics, this episode also touches on the cultural side of traveling in Italy, including one of the most misunderstood topics among U.S. travelers: tipping etiquette. Because Rome is not a city that rewards rushing. The more intentionally it is planned, the more extraordinary and effortless the experience becomes.  __ 0:00 Why Rome Feels So Overwhelming for Tourists 2:06 The First-Day Mistake That Exhausts Travelers Immediately 4:10 Why Getting Around Rome Is Harder Than It Looks Online 5:30 Rome Taxi & Airport Transfer Mistakes Travelers Make 9:28 Hidden Rome Experiences Most Tourists Miss: Domus Aurea & Palazzo Colonna 11:33 Why Borghese Gallery Tickets Sell Out So Quickly 14:21 Tipping in Italy: What U.S. Travelers Should Actually Expect __ Connect with me:  Fabulous Vita Travel Agency : ⁠https://fabulousvita.com [https://stayfabulousbyag-dot-yamm-track.appspot.com/2NpY93U5GLoU72NHLL7dFKkQFbDWGjxKUty8tc482Po6SGeTqkwG23wYN5TR11H3A7bfzznMzY2RP_e8KzD8Ti-9oJ6h6IrODpy12ilPk02r9CyLFSAIUfFm50rWh6tnyYVQ94jNxGeK2OHHYpphvnc409QO0zajv37TbINaPFDBYNeAEQw] Youtube Channel : ⁠https://youtube.com/c/StayFabulousTL⁠ [https://stayfabulousbyag-dot-yamm-track.appspot.com/2i8BZfuaBZIwKs_oFyFKv-L79OCL3cR7NvSNAZv0hF7iQGeTqkwGFRC6AXGg9FrLP725zwiUoNIRvEjZhsHYnIUVMkPLoJCjeUmlp_HCs80lmxUcJg4XOfHGI4bd7HnwFYxso7EKiHr8CrxQ_-1Vs4waBreUNrV9pPmh3y79jy7gWrH1BYLnkHYnG] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anastasiya.gorshkova/ [https://www.instagram.com/anastasiya.gorshkova/]

Most People Plan Rome Completely Wrong

Most travelers spend months planning a trip to Rome, only to get overwhelmed, exhausted, and realizing too late that the itinerary they built made very little sense once they were actually here. In this episode, I will explore one of the biggest misconceptions about Rome: the idea that it can be approached like any other major European city. After more than a decade of living in Rome and running a travel agency, with this episode, I will offer a complete breakdown of the planning mistakes that quietly undermine so many trips. From attempting to combine the Vatican Museums and the Colosseum in a single day, to underestimating how much time, energy, and coordination Rome actually requires, I discuss what travelers rarely understand until they experience the city themselves. I also explain why two days in Rome are rarely enough, how ticketing for major attractions has become increasingly complex, and why waiting until the last minute to organize tours and experiences is one of the fastest ways to compromise the quality of your trip. Beyond the landmarks, this episode touches on the rhythm of Rome itself - its neighborhoods, pace, hidden corners, and the difference between simply seeing the city and truly experiencing it. Because Rome is not difficult to enjoy, but it does require structure. And when planned properly, it becomes one of the most extraordinary cities in the world to experience slowly, intentionally, and well. Link to the YouTube video on WHAT TO DO IN ROME THAT NOBODY KNOWS! - MUST-WATCH Before You Travel to Italy: https://youtu.be/3hmj7CEyYl0?si=3kNCz43Ip1eplRxY Link to the YouTube video on ITALY Trip Planning 2026: How to Book Your DREAM TRIP Like an INSIDER: https://youtu.be/sk1Gn-eN3eo?si=1b-03M7zUhbKOtOg __ 0:01 Most People Plan Rome Completely Wrong 0:57 Why Rome Is More Exhausting Than Travelers Expect 2:20 The Biggest Rome Itinerary Mistake: Vatican & Colosseum in One Day 4:54 Why 2 Days in Rome are Not Enough 7:19 Rome Ticket Mistakes: Tours, Third-Party Websites & Sold-Out Attractions 12:15 Why Last-Minute Planning Does Not Work in Rome 18:00 The Venice Day Trip Mistake & How to Structure Italy Properly __ Connect with me:  Fabulous Vita Travel Agency : ⁠https://fabulousvita.com [https://stayfabulousbyag-dot-yamm-track.appspot.com/2NpY93U5GLoU72NHLL7dFKkQFbDWGjxKUty8tc482Po6SGeTqkwG23wYN5TR11H3A7bfzznMzY2RP_e8KzD8Ti-9oJ6h6IrODpy12ilPk02r9CyLFSAIUfFm50rWh6tnyYVQ94jNxGeK2OHHYpphvnc409QO0zajv37TbINaPFDBYNeAEQw] Youtube Channel : ⁠https://youtube.com/c/StayFabulousTL⁠ [https://stayfabulousbyag-dot-yamm-track.appspot.com/2i8BZfuaBZIwKs_oFyFKv-L79OCL3cR7NvSNAZv0hF7iQGeTqkwGFRC6AXGg9FrLP725zwiUoNIRvEjZhsHYnIUVMkPLoJCjeUmlp_HCs80lmxUcJg4XOfHGI4bd7HnwFYxso7EKiHr8CrxQ_-1Vs4waBreUNrV9pPmh3y79jy7gWrH1BYLnkHYnG] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anastasiya.gorshkova/ [https://www.instagram.com/anastasiya.gorshkova/]

Skipping Bordeaux Might Be the Biggest Mistake of Your France Trip

Most U.S. travelers planning a trip to France naturally focus on Paris and the South of France, while quietly overlooking one of the most rewarding destinations in the country: Bordeaux. Often perceived simply as a wine destination, Bordeaux is far more layered than most travelers expect. Beyond its world-renowned vineyards lies one of the most distinctive culinary regions in France, access to extraordinary day trips, and a city that feels calmer, more elegant, and significantly easier to experience than many of the country’s larger destinations. In this episode, you will explore why Bordeaux deserves a place on your France itinerary and what makes it so unique. From the medieval charm of Saint-Émilion and the grand estates of the Médoc to the Atlantic coastline, oyster villages, and the breathtaking Dune du Pilat, Bordeaux offers an extraordinary range of experiences without requiring constant movement between destinations. I also discuss what makes the city itself so compelling: its walkability, café culture, refined atmosphere, exceptional food scene, and the slower rhythm that allows travelers to genuinely enjoy France rather than rush through it. __ 0:01 Why Skipping Bordeaux Could Be the Biggest Mistake of Your France Trip 2:02 Why Most U.S. Travelers Overlook Bordeaux 3:15 Bordeaux Beyond Wine: What Makes the City So Different 5:22 Saint-Émilion, Médoc & The Best Day Trips from Bordeaux 7:50 The Médoc Experience: Châteaux, Vineyards & Legendary Wines 10:07 Atlantic Coast Escapes: Oysters, Cap Ferret & Dune du Pilat 11:42 Bordeaux Food & Wine: What Makes the Region Exceptional 15:13 How to Add Bordeaux to Your France Itinerary the Right Way __ Connect with me:  Fabulous Vita Travel Agency : ⁠https://fabulousvita.com [https://stayfabulousbyag-dot-yamm-track.appspot.com/2NpY93U5GLoU72NHLL7dFKkQFbDWGjxKUty8tc482Po6SGeTqkwG23wYN5TR11H3A7bfzznMzY2RP_e8KzD8Ti-9oJ6h6IrODpy12ilPk02r9CyLFSAIUfFm50rWh6tnyYVQ94jNxGeK2OHHYpphvnc409QO0zajv37TbINaPFDBYNeAEQw] Youtube Channel : ⁠https://youtube.com/c/StayFabulousTL⁠ [https://stayfabulousbyag-dot-yamm-track.appspot.com/2i8BZfuaBZIwKs_oFyFKv-L79OCL3cR7NvSNAZv0hF7iQGeTqkwGFRC6AXGg9FrLP725zwiUoNIRvEjZhsHYnIUVMkPLoJCjeUmlp_HCs80lmxUcJg4XOfHGI4bd7HnwFYxso7EKiHr8CrxQ_-1Vs4waBreUNrV9pPmh3y79jy7gWrH1BYLnkHYnG] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anastasiya.gorshkova/ [https://www.instagram.com/anastasiya.gorshkova/]