P . 22 | OCTOBER 2022 | THE HAMMONTONIAN
Take a trip to Italy
by HEATHER D ’ AMICO
Amalfi Coast
The southern coastline is magnificent and a very popular stop . Our clients want the beach along with the hotels sitting high up on the cliffs overlooking the sea in quaint towns . Sailing into the Blue Grotto on the Island of Capri is a must-do . Positano is one of my favesbeautiful pebbled beaches , pastel houses , scenic mountains , and lovely people to meet .
Florence / Tuscany
This year , we have found Florence and the Tuscany Regions more popular . Hammontonians love their wine and no better place to have a glass- or bottle ! The area is rich with culture , history , and iconic scenery like the rolling hills of Tuscany . Florence is often described as a colossal outdoor museum because of its mass of art and architectural treasures . A popular visit is to see David by Michelangelo . Rome
Rome is a great place to start your trip or end your trip , because of the convenience of nonstop flights from our area . Rome is home to the Pantheon , the Colosseum , stunning cathedrals , plazas and Renaissance architecture . The Vatican is well known for St . Peter ’ s Basilica , the Apostolic Palace and Sistine Chapel . High-end shopping is also a highlight of the cityleave room in your suitcase and have a shopping spree !
Tours vs Independent Travel
It comes down to your vision . We have clients who like the aspect of being independent and following their own itinerary , and coming and going as they please . Then you have clients who like the structure of a tour and don ’ t have to
GETAWAY
ABOVE ( L-R ): THE HILLS AROUND FLORENCE ; JULIA KASINSKI , GABRIELLA ELIZABETH VERGANTINO AND GABRIELLA GRACE GASSAWAY . BELOW : THE COLOSSEUM IN ROME . worry about traveling down narrow streets , or where they are getting their next meal , or how they get tickets for the historical attractions . If you find a tour you like , but don ’ t want to travel in a group , we can design a similar itinerary so you can have your plan set but with private transfers .
Accommodations in Italy
We specialize in hotels and villas . Most of our hotels include breakfast and will put you right within walking distance of major attractions . In the warmer summer months , we ’ ll want to make sure the hotel has A / C . I recommend to budget a bit more for this portion of travel as your hotel can make or break your trip . Once you get there , you ’ ll forget the cost as you sit on your balcony with a view and a little more space as rooms in Europe tend to be on the smaller side .
The best time of year to travel to Italy is May or September , it ’ s not as expensive or crowded as during the warmer summer months and the weather is similar to the weather in our area during those months . We do notice that most people travel during the summer without complaint . Winter can bring snow in northern parts , so plan accordingly .
Dressing in Italy
If you don ’ t want to be pegged for being an American , you ’ ll want to take your look up a few notches than the usual day-to-day in the states . Wear clothes that fit well , not too baggy . Don ’ t dress like you are going to the beach , gym , or casual event . Italians like to dress classy . Men wear nice shoes , but make sure they are comfortable . Men also wear linen pants with buttondowns and collar shirts .
Women can wear comfortable dresses and capri pants . Flats and other comfortable but cute shoes are recommended — Italians generally look down on flip-flops . If you are wearing jeans , avoid the “ ripped ” style and opt for dark-fitted styles . Pants in different colors are also a trend right now — think maroon or dark green . They like to accessorize and pay attention to details-add jewelry and a chic purse ( leave the bulky bookbag and fanny pack at home )!
Keep security in mind to protect against pickpocketers in the cities . Zippers and crossbodies would be my go-to features . Men can also fit in with a messenger bag or “ man purse .”
Scarfs are popular for men and women and a great way to mix up an outfit to re-wear something basic . If you are visiting the Vatican or other religious sites , your knees and shoulders should be covered . Remember the season are similar to Jersey- so bring a cardigan or nicely tailored coat in the coolers months .
One of my favorite parts about traveling is adding new pieces to my wardrobe- plus you ’ ll want to look your best in the pictures that you ’ ll cherish for years to come as you cross off your bucket list !