5 Images That Capture Italy

By Kelsey Sagen

We continue our 5 Images That Capture Italy with Photographer Kelsey Sagen. She has dedicated years of work on creative design and has a passion for capturing unforgettable moments. We are honored to feature her 5 Images That Capture Italy!

"Joy comes from the places you least expect it. It's usually the simple things."

photo by kelsey sagen photography

1. Vespas

The classic picture of a Vespa; just add the streets of Rome and a cute Italian and you’ve got yourself a classic Lizzy McGuire movie dream. They are classic, iconic and literally everywhere. Vespas are a preferred form of transportation for Italians because they can be navigated easily through the narrow streets and bypass traffic that slows bigger vehicles down.

---

PHOTO BY KELSEY SAGEN PHOTOGRAPHY

2. Tuscan Countryside

Imagine spending the day riding through this countryside on your iconic Vespa  and you’ll have a pretty classic example of an Italian experience.

---

PHOTO BY KELSEY SAGEN PHOTOGRAPHY

3. Italian Architecture

In Italy, the architecture is incredibly beautiful and is sure to take your breath away. Especially as Americans abroad, we aren’t used to seeing buildings that are so old, large and full of history. 

---

PHOTO BY KELSEY SAGEN PHOTOGRAPHYPHOTO BY KELSEY SAGEN PHOTOGRAPHY

4. Lifestyle

The picture above captures the real lifestyle of Italian's. The simple moments.

"One thing that Italians are very good at is living in the moment. They are known for their beautifully relaxed way of life. "

---

PHOTO BY KELSEY SAGEN PHOTOGRAPHY

5. Vino

Of course, how could you have a collection of 5 photos that capture Italy and not include their famous wine? Italian cuisine is famous throughout the entire world, and the Italian people aren’t shy about flaunting that. When traveling through Italy, you are sure to pick up a thing or two about choosing a good wine and you’ll likely be a bit more of a wine connoisseur by the time you fly home.

"Every moment matters"

---

---

Are you interested in capturing the moment? A travel photography tip from Kelsey:

"Pay attention to the details and different angles that you can shoot from in order to avoid getting the same photos that everyone else has. There are thousands of pictures of the big monuments on the Internet; taking a photo that is just a little different will help you get something more unique and interesting!"

To learn more about Kelsey's services check out www.kelseysagen.com!

---

If you are imagining seeing these places for yourself contact us today! Custom Travel planning and small group tours are available through our services! 

Contact: info@travelitalianstyle.com | + 1 631 268-4798

---

Meet Kelsey!

Kelsey is a photographer from Wisconsin with a Bachelor's degree in Graphic design. She started taking photography classes in Jr. High and learned to shoot using a basic film camera. Now she photographs portraits, weddings, and events, and does some travel photography for fun. She would describe her photography as colorful and candid. See more of her work at www.kelseysagen.com or follow her on Instagram @kelseysagenphoto.

---

5 Tips on Traveling Solo in Italy

By Ishita Sood

We continue our 5 Tips for Travel series with Indian Travel Blogger Ishita Sood. After years of following her passion and traveling Italy alone, today we are honored to feature her 5 Tip on making the most out of your Italian travel solo! 

"Italy is full of wonderful people who go an extra step to help you, so it is important to respect their traditions and culture too."

COURTESY OF ISHITA SOOD

Traveling alone in Italy has its fun and frustrating moments, which is why it is important to know small points that can help save time and make travel enjoyable. Italy is full of wonderful people who go an extra step to help you, so it is important to respect their traditions and culture too. I have five simple tips to travel solo in Italy. So sit back and relax while you read all these points that make Italy a preferred choice of destination and also help ease you out during your Italian travels: 

1. Personal Safety is First

Nothing is more important than that, whether in Italy or anywhere else. I would recommend keeping an eye on your baggage at crowded places in the bigger towns which are prone to petty theft. Keep a copy of your passport in the hotel room just in case something happens. Again, this is not to scare you off, but just to caution you. Always exude confidence when in Italy by the way you walk or talk and try not to let small frustrations get to you. I have faced that countless times in my travels and I’d love to help anyone to know about travel in Italy.

2. Choose the Right Accommodation

COURTESY OF ISHITA SOOD

Italy has plenty of stay options to choose from. If you are on a budget choose a hostel or an apartment at Airbnb. You can also stay in a convent or a monastery by choosing MonasteryStays.com. Here you have comfortable beds with private bathrooms at a reasonable price and most of them are in the centre of the town. For example, since Venice is expensive to stay, pick a monastery instead of a hotel and save money to get that gondola ride. Similarly, if you are visiting the Italian countryside, choose an agriturismo, which are refurbished old country homes renovated to give you a local experience. 

3. Practice Some Italian Before You Go 

COURTESY OF ISHITA SOOD

It is really a blessing if you know some Italian words that could go a long way in your travels. Simple words such as “dove,” which means where, “salve,” which is a formal hello, or “grazie,” which means thank you, can put a smile on a stranger’s face. Don’t go saying "ciao" to anyone and everyone you meet, because that is an Informal way of greeting, such as for a friend. Basic food vocabulary or a small dictionary is an asset to those who travel to Italy. 

4. Blend with the Crowd 

 One of the best ways to get a feel of the Italian culture is to live like they do. For a truly authentic experience make sure you visit the local eating places- the “Osteria” and the “Trattoria”. These are smaller versions of a restaurant with fresh produce and are usually family run. Additionally, in the evening the Italians go for an “aperitivo” at the bar. An aperitivo includes a drink with some light snacks and is the perfect time to mingle and make new friends. Don’t be shy in taking the first step. Whenever I am in Italy I usually have an aperitivo and observe the locals to catch a few Italian words for my Italian vocabulary. I also sometimes talk to the barista if the bar is not too crowded. Italians are so friendly and always make you feel comfortable.  

5. Respect the Culture and Be Flexible 

COURTESY OF ISHITA SOOD

 Respecting the culture of the country you are traveling is of prime importance. In Italy it is essential that you cover yourself when you visit a church. I usually carry a scarf with me all the time and wear half/full sleeves. Please avoid mini skirts and hot pants when you are in the church. Another important aspect of the culture is to dress well when in Italy. By that I don’t mean put on flashy makeup and accessories. But probably carry a nice cross body bag, wear comfortable shoes and a simple dress. Italians take their dressing very seriously and it is always more fun to be looked at in a nice way than be stared at. Italian region take pride in their products so don’t order a wrong food/wine in the wrong region. For instance, Chianti is in Tuscany and if I am in Lecce, Puglia, I’d ask for their local wine and not Chianti. Rome is famous for Cacio e pepe so eat that in Rome rather than in Sicily.  

---

Traveling Italy solo can be a rewarding and fun experience, especially by keeping in mind these great tips by Ishita! What tips can you add to this list?

For more stories on Italy be sure to follow Ishita Sood at www.ishitasood.com!

If you need some assistance with your solo trip contact us today! 

---

Meet Ishita

Ishita is an Indian blogger who is very passionate about Italy and feels deeply connected to its language, culture, food and history. She writes about her travels on her blog Italophilia (www.ishitasood.com) and visits Italy every year. She can also be found on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter as @Italophilia and can be reached at ishitatravel@gmail.com.

How Traveling Europe Opens Your Eyes

By Mary Grace Shelly 

The routines we follow in our everyday lives have a silent way of becoming comfortably concrete. We get too busy, too tired, or too distracted to place importance on the little things in life that keep our minds awake and our souls inspired. I found myself feeling this way during my junior year of college, and spending a semester traveling Europe changed my life more than I could possibly have imagined. The possibilities endless, but here are just a few of the ways that traveling Europe opens your eyes to the world around you. 

"It is a humbling experience to connect with people who live in places and cultures that seem so far outside the realm of your personal world."

FLORENCE | PHOTO BY MARY GRACE SHELLY

There is something special about the people you meet when you travel. It is a humbling experience to connect with people who live in places and cultures that seem so far outside the realm of your personal world. I conversed with people with whom I shared no common language, and I observed people whose normal lifestyle was foreign to mine in every way.

The sweet woman who sold me handmade bracelets that I brought home to my sister, the compassionate man that helped me find my way when I was lost; these people broke down the barriers between us and made me remember that even with all the bad things happening in the world, there is still overwhelming goodness in humanity.

PHOTO BY MARY GRACE SHELLY

The food in Europe is another truly integral part of the entire experience. The smells and tastes are as much a part of exploration as the sights are. Trying new flavors and cuisine from places all over the world makes the experience of travel so authentic and enriching. Simply put, good food is just good for the soul. 

"Not only observing, but living the lifestyles and traditions of other people is so important, both for learning about the world and learning about yourself."

Immersing yourself in different cultures is the most important part of having an authentic and eye opening experience abroad. Luckily, meeting people and trying new things (like amazing food), are two really great ways to do this.

Not only observing, but living the lifestyles and traditions of other people is so important, both for learning about the world and learning about yourself. It brings new perspectives and broadened understandings, and it helps you reflect on your own life to make positive changes in your ideas, your lifestyle, and your happiness. 

Traveling starts out as an exploration of what is outside your comfort zone. It is getting on a plane, going to a new place, trying new things, learning new languages, and seeing new sights.

"But somewhere along the way, when our eyes are opened to the beauty in the world, travel becomes a journey of self-reflection, an experience that allows us to see clearly through the fog that builds up in our everyday lives and come to better understandings about who we are, what we love, and how we want to live. "

Has travel changed you? Let us know below! 

If you are looking to travel be sure to check out our tours and custom travel planning services here!

---

Meet Mary Grace

Mary Grace Shelly is a Graphic Designer and Associate Brand Coordinator at Travel Italian Style. She is lucky enough to be in school studying different aspects of one of the things she loves most: creativity. Her other favorite things include, but are not limited to, her pug, Pinterest, the beach, Christmas music, and taking way too many pictures of her food.

After spending a semester studying abroad in London, and using every spare weekend to travel throughout Europe, Mary Grace’s passion for seeing the world and learning new cultures has integrated itself into her everyday life. She is so excited to be involved with a company like Travel Italian Style that gives others the chance to have a life-changing adventure just like she did.