Italy Roundup

Photo Cred: Ana Wu

Haven't done much research on Italy?  No worries, Auntie Celia's got you covered!  She's the FOB's best friend's wife and has known Candace since the early Parkview days.  She's "unleashed the travel beast" (her words, not mine!) and my inbox is overflowing with great tips and suggestions!

Need an travel app for Italy?

What about a hotel?

Don't speak the language?

Don't forget to tip!

"Everyone should also download the Rick Steve’s app; he has FREE audio tours but you need to download them before hand.  In fact, we will use his audio tour for our Grand Canal tour in Venice."

Rick Steve's Florence

Rick Steve's Venice

Want to know all there is to know about olive oil?

Reading Material

Everyone needs a good Rom-Com!

Needless to say, there's was no way to fit it all in one post...so stay tuned for more tips from our resident expert.  And of course, as a mother of 4, safety first!  Thanks Auntie Celia!

"And while I have everyone’s attention, I just want to give a lecture about safety:

There’s a lot of pick pocketing in Italy, and we as tourists are prime suspects.  It is best to not carry too much $$$ around, and if you must, keep in in your front pocket at all times.  Also, as we did when we traveled in Latin America, assume EVERYONE is out to rob you.  Don’t trust anyone.  There are many scams where people will come up to you to distract you — pour mustard on you, ask for directions, ask you to hold something — all to distract you so they can try to pickpocket you.  Here, being naturally suspicious and guarded will be our best defense.  Sad but true!"

*Side note: Auntie Celia and her daughter Ana are both amateur photographers and you'll see them through the weekend snapping away, so smile!  (And I realize the picture above is misleading as it is Machu Picchu, but I wanted to lure you in with a picture of her fun family-friendly travels and adventures (see here for more evidence).  And if you did think it was Italy, then you best be reading Auntie Celia's suggestions above!)

Best,

The Howesters