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Ready to think differently about why you travel? Join us as we share the Untold Italy Way – a travel philosophy built on slow travel, seeking out local voices, and treading lightly, wherever in the world you go.
Summary
In this episode, host Katy Clarke shares something a little different – a personal look at the philosophy behind Untold Italy. Katy unpacks what slow travel really means in practice, why there's no right or wrong way to see the world, and why seeking out local voices and treading lightly matters so much when exploring Italy. It's a reflective episode on travel with intention, and the values that shape everything Untold Italy does, from the podcast to its tours and trip planning services.
What you'll learn in this episode
- Why treating your trip as a relationship rather than a checklist changes everything – how shifting away from “must-see” lists toward a more personal, evolving connection with a place leads to richer, more meaningful travel experiences
- How to identify your own travel “why” – practical reflection on what actually draws you to travel (history, food, nature, spirituality), so you can make decisions about where to go and what to do based on your own interests rather than someone else's list
- What does slow travel actually look like in practice? Get concrete guidance on pacing your trip, including staying a minimum of three nights per stop, planning only what's essential, and leaving deliberate space for spontaneity and unexpected discoveries
- Why seeking out local, and especially female, voices matters. The reasoning behind prioritizing local guides and small, family-run, women-led businesses over larger international ones, and how this shapes a deeper understanding of a place
- How to travel with genuine respect rather than performing “authenticity” – practical ways to tread lightly, from learning a few words of Italian to trying unfamiliar dishes, without falling into overused travel-marketing language
Timeline Overview
- 04:19 Joy of travel experiences
- 07:10 Reflecting on travel reasons
- 11:39 Travel planning tips for Italy
- 14:01 Local Italian perspectives
- 17:59 Respecting Italian culture and nature
Italian places, foods and concepts mentioned
Places
- Via Appia – ancient Roman road running through Rome, once used by senators and generals
- Palazzo Vecchio – the fortress-like town hall of Florence, overlooking the Duomo and Brunelleschi's famous dome
- Alpe di Siusi – Europe's largest high-altitude alpine meadow, in the Dolomites of South Tyrol
- Modena – city in Emilia-Romagna famed for traditional balsamic vinegar production
- Roma Termini – Rome's main central train station, a hub of everyday commuter life
- Milano Centrale – main station in the city of Milan with food court
- Piedmont – northern Italian region known for wine, truffles, and its historic rivalry with Milan
- Puglia – southern region forming the “heel” of Italy's boot, known for its coastline, local traditions, and folklore
Food / Drink
- Pizza (Napoli-style) – the classic Neapolitan pizza, considered the authentic origin of the dish
- Gelato – Italy's beloved frozen dessert, often one of the first things travelers try to order in Italian
- Balsamic vinegar – traditional aged vinegar from the Modena area, made following strict consortium methods
- bistecca alla fiorentina – iconic Tuscan T-bone steak, traditionally sourced from local Chianina cattle and grilled over wood coals
Words / Concepts
- Buongiorno – “good morning” or “good day,” a polite Italian greeting
- Ciao – an informal Italian greeting/farewell used among friends or peers
- Carpe diem – Latin phrase meaning “seize the day,” used to encourage making the most of travel opportunities
- Slow travel – an approach to travel that favors depth and immersion over ticking off checklists
- LivTours – a Rome-based, family-run company offering tours in Italy that focus on keeping profits local and supporting Italian people
- Booking.com – an international accommodation booking platform, occasionally recommended by Untold Italy as a resource for finding small, family-run hotels in Italy
- The Untold Italy Way – the podcast's own travel philosophy, built around slow travel, supporting locals, and cultural respect
- Cosimo de' Medici – historical figure and leader of Florence, mentioned in the context of reflecting on Italian history
Related content on Untold Italy
Podcasts
- Ep 336 – How to Embrace Italian Culture as You Land in Italy
- Ep 297 – How to Travel Italy Your Way – Insights From Our Experts
- Ep 267 – Italy in your pocket!
- Ep 256 – Unlocking Italy’s Untold Charm – Stories from Professional Trip Planners
- Ep 250 – On Tour with Untold Italy – Our Hosts' Highlights Revealed
- Ep 234 – Savor Italy – Important Tips for Mindful Travel
- Ep 212 – The Untold Italy story
- Ep 176 – A week in Tuscany with Untold Italy
Articles
- Italy Trip Planning Guide
- About Untold Italy
- How Many Days Should I Spend in Rome?
- A Traveler's Guide to Understanding Italian Culture
- Bologna or Naples? Comparing Italy's Two Food Capitals