Europe

Umbria: Tuscany's Lesser-Known Neighbor

Rolling hills, cypress trees, and faded yellow homes with red roofs come to mind when you think of Italy - Tuscany, in particular. Tuscany is home to magnificent cities like Florence, Siena, and Bologna, though there is more to Italy than this particular area. Head out to Perugia in Umbria, Tuscany's regional neighbor, for a similar aesthetic to get away from Tuscany's crowds.

Need convincing? Here are 8 photos to do just that.

Perugia Views Italy Umbria

Perugia Views Italy Umbria

Perugia

Perugia

Perugia, Italy

Perugia, Italy

Flower Window Boxes Perugia

Flower Window Boxes Perugia

Perugia Italy Views of Hills

Perugia Italy Views of Hills

Streets of Perugia

Streets of Perugia

Perguia Italia

Perguia Italia

Perugia, Umbria, Italy

Perugia, Umbria, Italy

Finding Color in Istanbul, Turkey - 15 Stunning Photos

Grand Bazaar Istanbul

Grand Bazaar Istanbul

Oftentimes the most exciting part about experiencing a new city is what you visually see - the food, the architecture, how people live. Istanbul was one of the most vividly cultural places I've been to in terms of the experience but also with what I saw through my eyes.

While finding an excellent view of Istanbul is a great way to enjoy a its beauty, there's also beauty in the details.

After browsing these photos I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if you booked the next flight to Turkey.

Fruit for Sale in Istanbul

Fruit for Sale in Istanbul

Topkapi Palace Tiles

Topkapi Palace Tiles

Istanbul

Istanbul

Spice Market Istanbul Turkey

Spice Market Istanbul Turkey

Street Art Istanbul Turkey

Street Art Istanbul Turkey

Hagia Sophia at Sunset Istanbul

Hagia Sophia at Sunset Istanbul

Inside the Blue Mosque, Istanbul

Inside the Blue Mosque, Istanbul

Turkish Breakfast

Turkish Breakfast

Turkish Bloomers

Turkish Bloomers

Colorful Homes Galata Tower View

Colorful Homes Galata Tower View

Flower Istanbul

Flower Istanbul

Colorful Street Istanbul

Colorful Street Istanbul

Tiles Topkapi Palace Istanbul

Tiles Topkapi Palace Istanbul

Pomegranate Juice Istanbul Turkey

Pomegranate Juice Istanbul Turkey

Where To Find The Best View of Istanbul

Galata Tower view in Istanbul, Turkey
Galata Tower view in Istanbul, Turkey

Galata Tower

When I was living in Italy and working as a tour guide, our trips were around Italy or Western/Central Europe. I loved visiting new countries every weekend and each city we went to holds a special place in my heart.

While I was in that region of the world, however, I wanted to experience something a little different. During a weekend off our regular trips, my friend Mollie and I went to Istanbul for a few days.

The architecture in Istanbul is beyond beautiful, and was a refreshing change of pace after Western Europe's cathedrals and castles (though those are beautiful, too).

The best view of Istanbul? From the Galata Tower.

Definitely head up there when you are in Istanbul!

Galata Tower from Topkapi Palace

Galata Tower from Topkapi Palace

Galata Tower view in Istanbul, Turkey

Galata Tower

Galata Tower View

Galata Tower View

Colorful Homes Galata Tower View

Colorful Homes Galata Tower View

Galata Tower Views

Galata Tower Views

Aerial View Galata Tower

Aerial View Galata Tower

Istanbul Turkey Galata Tower View

Istanbul Turkey Galata Tower View

Mediterranean Musts: Elba Island, Italy

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why-you-should-visit-elba-island-italy.jpg

why you should visit elba island, italy

It's been almost a year since I posted about Elba Island, a small island off Italy's Tuscan coast. I was introduced to the island after only a few days of being in Italy when I studied abroad. After a whirlwind of an opening tour in bustling Rome and our first week of classes in Florence, relaxing beach time was exactly what we needed.

If you're headed to the Mediterranean, I definitely recommend it. We stayed in Cavo, a small town where no one spoke English. It was refreshing after being in Rome where walking through a market means dealing with pushy street salespeople shouting "Hello! I'll give you the best price!"

Quick tip: Cavo and other towns on the northern part of the island have rocky beaches, whereas the southern part of the island has sandy beaches. Keep this in mind if you plan on laying out on the beach.

Elba Island Beach

Elba Island Beach

Seagull Italian Coast

Seagull Italian Coast

Cavo Italy

Cavo Italy

Cavo Italy from the Ferry

Cavo Italy from the Ferry

Elba Island

Elba Island

Sign Elba Island

Sign Elba Island

Elba Island Homes

Elba Island Homes

Street Sign Elba Island

Street Sign Elba Island

Portoferrario, Itlay

Portoferrario, Itlay

Cavo Elba Island

Cavo Elba Island

16 Italian Experiences You Need To Have In Italy

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DSC_0290.jpg

Florence Street Cafe

1. Eat gelato on the triangle bridge in Florence

There's something magical about enjoying your gelato while you lean up against the bridge over the Arno River.

2. Drink wine at Piazza Miniato while you watch the sun set

piazza miniato

piazza miniato

Take it a step above Piazzale Michaelangelo - literally - in front of the church that sits higher on the hill.

3. Marvel at the famous duomo in each of these cities: Florence, Milan, Siena

Duomo Florence

Duomo Florence

4. Hike Mt. Vesuvius and visit the ruins of Pompeii

Pompeii

Pompeii

History class just got much more exciting, now that you're seeing it in person.

5. Eat Italian food...obviously

But this list wouldn't be complete without  it. Carbs don't totally count when you're in Italy. ;)

6. Take a train or bus through the Tuscan countryside

Perugia

Perugia

Get lost in your thoughts as you stare out the window.

7. Visit the Colosseum in Rome

Colosseum

Colosseum

Perhaps the most iconic structure in Italy, the Colosseum is among many famous, ancient, historical sites that you cannot miss while in the Eternal City.

8. Go on an early morning run along the Tiber River in Rome

a

a

Take in the popular sights as the town wakes up: Vatican City, Castelo d'Saint Angelo, and maybe even head over to the Roman Forum and Pantheon. It beats the stagnant view out the gym window on the treadmill back home.

9. Head down to Sicily for a more unique feel for Italy

10. Set sail for the sea and dock at beautiful Italian islands

DSC_0012

DSC_0012

Elba, Capri, and Sardinia are a few of many Mediterranean musts.

11. Visit Venice during Carnivale (February)

This festival is sure to be worth the trip!

12. Go to Lake Como, a lake in Northern Italy near the Swiss border

Bellagio Lake Como

Bellagio Lake Como

Not just because George Clooney has a house there.

13. Taste a massive variety of gelato flavors at the Florence Gelato Festival (June)

Everything from red wine gelato to sushi-flavored is served, including original favorites such as ciocolatto, straciatella, and fragola.

14. For another festival to satisfy your sweet tooth, head to Perugia for the annual Chocolate Festival (October)

perugia chocolate festival

perugia chocolate festival

If they still play that dreaded "Cioooo--cooo---latte!" theme song on repeat...so help me God...

15. Go wine tasting in Tuscany

Boboli Gardens

Boboli Gardens

Where better to sample wine than in Italy's finest wine region?!

16. Have warm, fresh pastries from a Secret Bakery in Florence

Secret-Bakery-Florence

Secret-Bakery-Florence

Because Nutella croissants just taste way better at 2 am.

Mediterranean Musts: 12 Reasons Why You Should Visit The French Riviera

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The French Riviera is a summer hotspot for many reasons but is often overshadowed by its more well-known sister, Paris. If you're headed to Europe this spring or summer, you definitely need to look into the French Riviera. Nice, Cannes, Monaco, and St. Tropez are calling your name.

12 Reasons Why You Should Visit The French Riviera

1Monaco-copy.jpg

1Monaco copy

1. Located on the southeast coast of France near the Italian border, you'll find this incredibly beautiful coastal region.

French Flag in Southern France

French Flag in Southern France

2. The architecture is quintessential European with bright colors and a seaside flair.

Nice, France Architecture

Nice, France Architecture

3. Yes, a regular ol' building is that pretty. Let's take a closer look:

Architecture in the French Riviera

Architecture in the French Riviera

4. The rich and famous are notorious for spending summers here (it is home to the Cannes Film Festival and the Grand Prix, after all), and you can bet they'll be spending time on the water.

Marina in French Riveria Cannes

Marina in French Riveria Cannes

5. Yachts fill the marina.

Yachts in French Riviera

Yachts in French Riviera

6. Hmm, do you think any of these boats belong to celebrities?

Yachts in France

Yachts in France

7. When in France, you must try some fresh treats from the bakery.

French Bakery in Southern France

French Bakery in Southern France

8. Enjoy some macarons on a leisurely stroll, and while you do, stop and smell the roses - or some of these gorgeous pink flowers.

Pink Flowers in Southern France

Pink Flowers in Southern France

9. While in the area, cross borders to a whole new country - Monaco.

Castle in Monaco

Castle in Monaco

Monaco is a tiny city-state country with its own royal government, run for centuries by the Grimaldi family. (Yes, that's same royal family that inspired Blair's prince in Gossip Girl).

10. Monaco is home to the famous Casino de Monte-Carlo, known for its presence in James Bond movies.

Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco

Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco

11. It's also home to views like this.

Monaco

Monaco

12. By now, you must be convinced.

Nice, France, French Riviera

Nice, France, French Riviera

The French Riviera is the place to be during a summer on the Mediterranean.

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Mediterranean Musts: 17 Reasons Why You Should Visit Italy's Amalfi Coast

Mediterranean Musts: Elba Island, Italy

Pre-Study Abroad Checklist: Summer in Europe

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It's almost that time of year again - summer! Which means it's time to start planning for the upcoming months. Hands down my favorite season, summer beats out the rest of the year, especially for traveling. While I will admit popular tourist destinations can get a little frustrating in the summer due to being more crowded and having longer lines, the general carefree feeling of being outside, in an awesome city, doing awesome things, makes it worth it.

It's much better sipping a glass of wine on a sidewalk cafe during aperitvo in Rome under the warm rays of the sun than it is on a cold, dreary day. (Am I right, or am I right.)

Maybe I love Europe in the warm weather months so much because my first time outside the US was to study abroad in Italy for a 6-week summer program.

While in Italy for my study abroad, I lived in Florence and took trips within the country to Rome, Siena, and the Amalfi Coast. I also went to Ireland one weekend and England the next.

Besides our orientation, I didn't have much to go off of in terms of a list for what to pack when you study abroad over the summer. Most lists were for stretching your suitcase to fit four-eight months of clothing (semester/full-year abroad), and I wouldn't need to be packing riding boots or a parka.

Instead, I'd be wading the waters of Capri with sandals and a swimsuit.

Here's a brief overview of what to do and what to pack prior to heading to Europe for a summer study abroad program.

Also Read: How To Make The Most Of Your Study Abroad

Pre-Study Abroad Checklist: Europe Summer

First things first

-Passport: Because you can't leave the country without it.

-Plans: Have you started planning weekend trips or any extra traveling before/after your program? Now's the time to do some research and coordinate with others in your program on where you want to go! In my opinion, having things planned out at least somewhat in advance is worth it, though spontaneity can be exciting too.

-Luggage: I brought a backpack, carry-on roller bag, and a large checked roller bag, though for six weeks I probably would've been fine with a large duffle and these packing tricks.

-Check your emails and confirm with your study abroad program that everything is squared away. This includes any visas you may need, tuition payments, program fees, housing, trips through your school, etc.

What Clothes to Pack (Ladies)

Clothing

Dresses (makes putting together outfits easier, plus they're nice for warm weather), Tops (basic tees/tanks, a couple nicer ones to dress up an outfit), Bottoms (2 pairs of shorts - one athletic for physical activity and one pair of trendy ones for daytime - 1 pair leggings, 1 pair jeans - because no one's going to notice or care that you've worn them 3 days in a row - a skirt or two, and either a light jacket, sweater, or chambray shirt for when it's chilly.

Accessories & Shoes

1 handbag (medium size is best), 1-2 pairs  sunglasses, a lightweight scarf (for chilly nights or flights), 1 pair comfortable flats, 1 pair sneakers, 1 pair strappy sandals, 1 pair flip flops.

This is where I went a little crazy when I studied abroad. I brought ten (10!!!) pairs of shoes with me, and then I bought two pairs in London, so I can home with 12. However, a majority of the shoes were sandals so they took up very little room, but I really did not need that many pairs of shoes.

Realistically, you only need one pair of sandals, but if you have some room, a couple extra pairs couldn't hurt. Just keep that in mind for having to bring everything home in terms of luggage space.

Extras

Beachside in Positano, Italy

Beachside in Positano, Italy

-Bug spray: you will need it. You can buy some once you get there, but if you do, make sure to get some right away if you plan on stepping outside at night.

-Electronics: Earbuds, phone and/or laptop or tablet, camera, adapters, portable speakers (nice to have).

-Journal: To document your experience.

-Toiletries: Travel-sized ones are fine because you can easily stock up while you're there, if needed.

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