Category Archives: Travel

I returned early yesterday morning from a weeklong vacation in Italy, and one thing I learned while there is that Italians definitely know how to eat. Luckily for me, pasta, pizza and sandwiches–all Italian staples–are among my top five favorite foods. While I thoroughly enjoyed our carb-overload, I’m equally happy to be back in the States where fruit snacks, cuties (clementines) and peanut butter are my staples.

Pasta arrabiatta-simply delicious

Wine I actually liked, to go along with said pasta.

Pistachio gelato, one delectable treat.

Somehow coffee just tastes better in Italy.

It seems that too often Americans earn themselves a bad reputation when traveling abroad. Loud, obnoxious, rude–not the kindest words. So in an attempt to fit in more with the Italian culture next week, I’ve spent the last few days taking Italian lessons via an audio CD whenever I’m in the car.

The end result? I’m leaving tomorrow and I only really know how to say “I only understand a little Italian,” “I’m an American,” and “Do you understand English?” But it has reminded me how much fun it is to learn a new language. Ciao for now!

If you’re interested in learning a new language, be sure to check out your local library for language lessons on CD. I used the Short Course in Italian from the Pimsleur Language Program.

Packing for a trip, or packing in general for that matter, is most definitely not my strong suit. My problem is that I try to be prepared for anything and everything, even if that means toting along my entire wardrobe.

My other problem is that I’m terrible at making decisions and I like to have a lot of options, so I pack everything. But when you’re trying to avoid an annoying baggage fee and you’re stressing about transferring flights, you have to learn to pack only what you need.

So in honor of the inner fatalist in me (and also of my one-week trip to Italy beginning on Friday) my new motto is “Pack light, pack right.” We’ll see if it actually sticks.

[image via Getty Images]