In episode 42 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy chats with guest Diane Bortoletto, a travel expert and co-host of the And Away We Go f1 podcast.
Diane offers invaluable advice for first-time visitors to Italy, covering essential topics such as cultural etiquette, budgeting strategies, and transport tips. The episode highlights must-try Italian dishes, with an emphasis on the importance of regional cuisine.
Diane also shares practical travel insights, including the best times to visit, how to navigate Italian train systems, and the experiences of driving through Italy’s picturesque landscapes.
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Episode 42 – Summary
Together, Tracy and Dianne explore the enchanting country of Italy, focusing on providing first-time visitors with essential travel tips and insider insights. Diane brings her extensive experience of living and travelling extensively in Italy to the conversation, sharing advice on everything from packing light to savouring Italy’s regional cuisine treasures.
Listeners will discover key tips on navigating the cobblestone streets, the convenience of using trains for travel inter city, and why avoiding peak tourist months like August can enhance their Italian adventure. Delight in hearing about food favorites such as the must-try pasta dishes in Rome and the art of enjoying an aperitivo the Italian way.
What you’ll learn in this episode
- 📍 How to navigate Italy’s cities with ease, including packing strategies and transport tips.
- 📅 Itinerary planning advice, including the ideal times to visit and which cities to prioritize.
- 🚄 The benefits of booking train travel in advance for smoother travel.
- 🛏️ Tips for finding comfortable accommodations and utilising taxi services in Italy.
- 🥢 How to embrace Italy’s regional culinary delights and enjoy the food culture.
- 😲 The joys of unexpected discoveries and embracing flexibility during your travels.
Places, foods and words/concepts mentioned
Places
- Rome: Known for its rich history, art, and vibrant culture. Avoid visiting in August due to high temperatures.
- Florence: Famous for its Renaissance art and architecture, plus dishes like Bistecca alla Fiorentina.
- Venice: Renowned for its canals and romantic charm, offering unique Venetian experiences.
- Puglia: A beautiful region less frequented by first-timers but renowned for its stunning scenery and charm.
Food
- Carbonara: A traditional Roman pasta dish with bacon, eggs, and Pecorino Romano cheese.
- Tiramisu: A classic Italian dessert, especially popular in the Veneto region.
- Gelato: An essential Italian experience with numerous flavours to savour.
Words/Concepts
- Aperitivo: A pre-dinner drink and snack phenomenon, typically enjoyed in the early evening.
- Dolce far niente: The Italian concept of the sweetness of doing nothing, embracing relaxation and enjoyment.
Links
Links to Dianne’s social media, website and podcast
- And Away We Go F1 Podcast: http://www.andawaywegof1podcast.com/
- Website: www.travelletto.com
- Instagram @travelletto: https://www.instagram.com/travelletto/
- Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Travelletto
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diannebortoletto/
Podcasts
- Episode #49 – Guide for first-time visitors to the Amalfi Coast
- Episode #23 – Solo travel in Puglia
- Episode #37 – Guide for first-time visitors to France
Articles
- Location and accommodation guide for Venice Italy
- One day in Milan – itinerary and tips
- Best Italian shows on Netflix
- Best Italian movies on Netflix
Guest Bio – Dianne Bortoletto
Dianne Bortoletto is a publicist, a travel writer and a podcaster based in Margaret River in Western Australia (about three hours south of Perth). Her favourite thing to do is travel, and her favourite country to visit is Italy, it’s always Italy. She lived in Rome for six months and has visited Italy so many times she’s lost count.
Besides travelling, her other huge passion is for Formula 1, and her podcast, And Away We Go F1 Podcast, brings together her passions of F1, travel, food and lifestyle in weekly episodes that she co-hosts with fellow travel writer, Monique Ceccato.