Category: Blog
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The Perfect Tuscany Day Trip: Siena, San Gimignano & Pisa (From Florence)
Dreaming of a Tuscan day filled with medieval streets, iconic landmarks, and unforgettable food? This itinerary packs three of Tuscany’s most magical destinations – Siena, San Gimignano, and Pisa – into one unforgettable adventure from Florence. Whether you’re traveling solo, planning a girls’ getaway, or just want to soak up Tuscany’s charm in one day, this guide gives…
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Florence, Italy Travel Guide: The Perfect 1-Week Itinerary (With Day Trips & Local Experiences)
Honey, I’m home! Firenze, or Florence, is currently my home base in Italy. While it is definitely not a small or less touristy city, it is one that immediately felt like home to me when I first visited 12 years ago. If you’ve been dreaming about Italy, chances are you’ve imagined Florence. For solo female travelers,…
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Liguria, Italy: A Solo Female Traveler’s Guide to Italy’s Most Underrated Coastal Region
For solo female travelers, Liguria is that perfect balance: stunning but grounded, vibrant yet calming, and full of moments that feel like they belong just to you. Let’s explore the very best of this coastal dream in my latest blog post!
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The “Lost in Translation” Newsletter is LIVE!
I am so grateful for everyone who opted into my new monthly newsletter chronicling my travels around Italy. Whether I’m traveling on contract teaching English, or living a slower paced life with private clients, it is so fun to share little glimpses of Italian life with you! The newsletter for Jan/Feb is going out today…
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San Diego Food Help Guide 🍎: Where to Find Free Groceries, Pantries & Community Support (Even Without SNAP!)
Hey San Diego, My heart has been so heavy with the food insecurity facing our nation. When I was a kid, there was a time my parents had SNAP benefits. I remember weeks without food while waiting for pending SNAP applications, going to local churches and rec centers for free breakfast and lunch with my…
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A REALLY Big Update from Sondra
I almost can’t believe I’m typing this right now. If you’re reading this, today I’m moving to Italy. I have a one-way ticket to Milan, where I embark on my summer job teaching English at an Italian summer camp for kids! When the Fall begins, I’ll be in Tuscany studying advanced Italian in Florence, and…
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The Best Sandals for Female Travelers
Ah, sandals. The holy grail of travel shoes. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, lounging on a beach, or need something classy for that spontaneous fancy dinner, the right pair of sandals can be the unsung hero of your trip. But, let’s be honest—finding the perfect travel sandal that’s cute, comfortable, and versatile can feel like…
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A Solo Female Traveler’s Guide to Bologna, Italy: Pasta, Porticoes, and Pure Charm
If you’re reading this, I got to Tuscany yesterday 🙂 Bologna, known as La Grassa (The Fat One), La Dotta (The Learned One), and La Rossa (The Red One), is Italy’s best-kept secret (is it really a secret, though?), combining rich food, culture, and history. It’s a dream destination for solo female travelers who want…
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Exploring the Best Food Markets in Florence: A Culinary Adventure
Ciao, food lovers! 🌟 Prepare to be sick of me: I’m in Florence and enjoying every delicious minute! Florence is not only a city of art and history but also a paradise for food enthusiasts. The vibrant food markets here are a feast for the senses, offering everything from fresh produce to local delicacies. Let’s…
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Savoring Florence: A Guide to the Best Street Food and Snacks
Ciao, foodies! 🌟 Florence, the heart of Tuscany, is not just a feast for the eyes with its stunning architecture and art, but also a paradise for your taste buds. Whether you’re a meat lover, vegetarian, vegan, or need gluten-free options, Florence’s street food scene has something delicious for everyone. Let’s embark on a culinary…