Three Things I Absolutely Had to Bring Home from Italy
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photo by Marta Buso
This week, we flew home from our three week trip to Italy. This was my fourth visit, and the first for our baby!
As we started exploring Italy, I immediately noticed how much I was thriving. I absolutely love the bustle of life in Italian cities like Rome, the peacefulness of driving through Tuscany in a tiny Fiat Panda, and sipping a cappuccino at a tiny Venetian bar in the early hours of the morning.
By day two, I started to wonder if there was a way to bring these feelings home with me.
At 6 o’clock in the morning on day 3 as I sat in La Piazza della Rotonda admiring the Pantheon in Rome without the crowds, I became desperate.
I absolutely HAD to figure out how to bring these feelings home with me. I refused to accept that I could only feel this good, this alive and happy, while on vacation.
And I have.
Here are three things I brought home from this trip to Italy that have changed my life for the better, especially as a working parent - and I bet they can help you, too.
photo by Roberta Perrone
A commitment to walking more, as much as possible, every day
I will never get enough of waking up in Rome and walking outside into early morning Italian life. I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve used public transportation in the city because everything that you can need is accessible nearby on foot.
Stepping out of my city center hotel in Florence and walking through some of the most beautiful piazze in the country on my way to grab my cappuccino and pastry is an unbeatable morning routine.
Crossing the Ponte dell’Accademia in Venice to visit my favorite gelateria in the city and enjoying the walk back as the sun sets over the canals is a magic I haven’t experienced at any other point in my life.
Plus, at almost every turn I found myself face to face with ruins, culture, art, or some combination.
I walked at least 5 miles every day while we were in Italy this time. We all know that daily movement provides tremendous benefits to our body, but where I think I benefited the most was the impact to my mind. The intentionality of getting my body moving and my heart pumping led the way to some amazing creative breakthroughs for me, along with the opportunity to meet and connect with people I never would have crossed paths with otherwise.
Since we’ve been back, I’ve kept up my daily walks, albeit with less ancient history to look at.
photo by Marta Buso
The ability to enjoy food, slowly and intentionally
It is incredibly easy, and affordable, to eat well in Italy (especially compared to the United States). Our food was fresh, local, and usually high quality, if not hand made. I really loved sitting down to a meal and enjoying the experience slowly over several courses, which allowed me time to digest my food and feel full.
At home, I am notorious for constantly snacking. It’s a terrible habit and I have had a really hard time shaking it, especially since I got pregnant in 2021. I hardly ever sat down to eat dinner without some distraction in hand, or rushing through it so I could get to my next project.
While we were in Italy, I didn’t find myself craving or reaching for snacks. I would eat enough at every meal, and if I got hungry throughout the day I’d grab some fresh fruit.
I’m committed to keeping this going. I love how it feels to enjoy food instead of consuming it as quickly as possible so I can get on to the next task. I especially love the idea of modeling a healthy relationship with food for my kid, instead of one that revolves around Costco brand granola bars… if you know, you know.
photo by Roberta Perrone
Prioritizing the authentic connections in life
It’s soooooo. Dang. Easy. to get caught up in the rush of life, especially as a business owning mom of a very mobile toddler.
It’s easy to not text back right away, or push off plans with friends because I’m feeling tired, or ignore a phone call because I feel like I don’t have time right now.
On our trip to Italy, I had the chance to catch up with a friend I’ve known since 2015. I was with my small group travelers all day, every day. My baby was with me every step of the way. Jake came to meet us in Venice. I met colleagues in person that I’ve only had the chance to connect with online.
And it felt so good for my soul.
Since we’ve been back, I’ve been making sure I connect with someone I love at least once every day, even though we’re all exhausted because our baby is still reacclimating to our time zone (AKA, waking up screaming at 3:00 am).
And connecting doesn’t just mean sending a how are you???? text. It means getting vulnerable, being in the moment, and appreciating the amazing people I am surrounded by in this life.
If you know me at all, you know that I whole-heartedly believe that travel changes us for the better. This trip was no different - but this time, I brought home the best souvenirs yet.
photo by Marta Buso
I’m Erin, your new travel bestie. Based in Michigan with plans to see the entire globe, I am passionate about empowering my travel clients to create and experience your very best adventure. After studying abroad in Rome during college, marrying the love of my life in 2020 (COVID wedding!), and becoming a mom, I know that we all want to spend less time stressing on the internet and more time enjoying the people we love. Let me help you achieve this by taking on the work of your next vacation so you can spend more time enjoying your people.
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