It was a big challenge and scary thought to go abroad for the 1st time! I’ve always wanted to see Milan, the fashion capitol of the world. I was brave and decided to go anyway.

If you are planning a trip to Northern Italy, you will learn valuable tips from the interview. You will also learn mistakes to avoid for a first time visit.

Katy chimes in often during the conversation and offers expert advice. I learned more new tips during the interview. She is an Italy Travel Expert, with 30 trips under her belt. She is a GO TO source for traveling the country from North to South.

I joined Katy’s Italy Travel Planning group 5 weeks before leaving to Italy . My friend bailed on the trip about 3 weeks after joining the group. I had two weeks left to learn all the best tips for planning my solo trip.

I’m happy to report the trip was a HUGE success due to the expert tips I received from Katy and members of the group. There is NO way I would’ve went solo without the help of Italy Travel Planning. I learned everything I needed to know:

• Where to Stay
• Must see destinations
• Places to skip
• Where to eat
• Where to shop
• Tours to check out
• Best coffee shops
• Details and schedules for reserving train trips
• Safety tips for solo female travelers
• Details for international wifi and phone service
• Daily inspiration and imagery

…and the list goes on! It’s one of the most supportive communites on the internet! If you are dreaming of a trip to Dolce Vita or planning one, I do suggest joining the group.

Places mentioned in the show

Sforzesco Castle – Milan
Prada museum – Milan
Monte Napaleone, Galleria Vittorio Emannuele and Corso Beunos Aires: Milan Shopping Districts
Lugano, Switzerland – some day tours include a trip over the border into Switzerland, and if you have enough time you can also take the Bernina Express which goes to St Moritz
Lake Como – world famous and home to the rich and famous for a reason – a boat trip on the lake is wonderful and there are many beautiful towns to explore, shop and dine, such as Bellagio and Como City
The Cinque Terre – a coastal area within Liguria, comprises five villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore
St Marks Square – Piazza San Marco, is the central and most famous square in Venice
Lido – a beach in Venice which you can reach by Vaporetto water bus