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Planning, Podcast episodes

Episode #256: Unlocking Italy’s Untold Charm – Stories from Professional Trip Planners

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Dreaming of a unique and memorable Italian vacation but overwhelmed by the planning? Our Untold Italy expert trip consultants share what is involved in a consultation, how it can help you and the rewards of crafting personalized itineraries. They share tackling some of the common challenges travelers face planning their Italy trips and some of the special experiences they have helped organize over the last year. Our team has now helped many visitors make their Italian dreams a reality – discover how they can craft the perfect journey for you, showcasing Italy’s hidden treasures with ease and expertise!

Summary

In this episode, we feature some of our expert trip consultants – Kristen Jackson, Carrie Smith and Tyla Craven-Griffiths. We explore the ins and outs of designing bespoke Italian adventures, perfect for any occasion – be it a milestone birthday, anniversary, or just an unforgettable getaway. Our consultants share their unique travel journeys, favorite hidden gems like Orvieto and Ischia, and the joy of crafting tailor-made experiences that resonate deeply with travelers’ hearts. We delve into the complexities of trip planning, from logistics and accommodation challenges to finding tranquility in quieter, off-the-beaten-path destinations. Whether you’re dreaming of exploring Italy’s famed landmarks or its lesser-known treasures, expert advice is invaluable and can make for a more relaxing run-up to any Italian adventure.

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What you’ll learn in this episode

  • Kristen Jackson is based in Boise, Idaho. This American travel aficionado adores Italy’s hidden gems like Orvieto and Ischia. With over a decade of solo travel experiences, Kristen makes it her mission to craft unforgettable itineraries
  • Carrie Smith is from Toronto, Canada. Carrie’s love affair with Italy began in the 1980s. Specializing in Tuscany, she’s been turning dreams into reality for fifteen years, planning everything from boutique hotel stays to agriturismo experiences
  • Tyla Craven-Griffiths has lived in Italy multiple times and currently lives in a ski town in Bulgaria, so can frequently visit Italy, Tyla’s journey started as a student. Now, she combines her social media prowess working for Untold Italy with her extensive Italian travel knowledge to guide clients to unique travel experiences
  • Many consults have involved special occasions and family adventures. From an intricate Tuscan itinerary tailored for a large multigenerational Australian family celebrating a milestone birthday, to smaller, personal family trips, including heartwarming mother-daughter and mother-son travels
  • Travel challenges and expert solutions – the team tackles the overwhelming logistics of trip planning, from choosing the right accommodation to navigating transport
  • Customization and specialized interest – aligning travel plans with clients’ special interests, be it shopping tours or exploring Turin’s mystic aspects, yields highly personalized and fulfilling trips
  • Our consultants have access to hidden travel gems, offering recommendations not shared widely to maintain the charm of those small businesses
  • All 3 consultants also are engaged in our free Italy Travel Planning Community on Facebook. This a great resource for sharing information and tips when planning a trip to Italy
  • Whilst the group can be great for exchanging ideas, and looking at other people’s trips for inspiration, it is a very large group and to narrow down choices and save yourself time, then a one-on-one consultation offers nuanced communication that broadens the travel experience
  • Be reassured about traveling during significant events like Rome’s Jubilee. Some things will need planning in advance, but there are also advantages – like Rome’s monuments looking their best and there may even be unique events you would not normally experience
  • Embrace unique destinations and expert guidance – we encourage you to discover Italy beyond the typical tourist trail. Our team delights in helping travelers explore these magical, lesser-known corners to craft a personalized and unforgettable Italian journey

Timeline Overview

  • 06:19 Untold Italy trip consults have involved organizing multigenerational trips with tailored activities, offering custom experiences
  • 10:31 The advisors have had spectacular feedback and memories from meaningful trips
  • 17:09 Navigating transport can cause confusion and waste time during the limited time of a trip
  • 21:22 Social media lacks detail; real experience matters
  • 26:45 Trip consults offer personalized travel planning from those with experience and a greater network of other consultants to share expertise
  • 31:06 Can you save time by consulting experts?

About our guests – Kristen Jackson, Carrie Smith and Tyla Craven-Griffiths

Kristen Jackson
USA

more about kristen

Carrie Smith
Canada

more about carrie

TYLA CRAVEN-GRIFFITHS
Europe

more about tyla

Italian places, foods and concepts mentioned

Places

  • Orvieto – wonderful hilltop small city roughly a great day trip or halfway stop from Rome or Florence
  • Ischia – island near Capri with hot spring beaches
  • Ostia Antica – well-preserved ancient Roman city at what was a port at the mouth of the Tiber River, but is now inland, with magnificent frescoes and impressive mosaics
  • Piedmont – region in northern Italy famous for wine and great food
  • Verona – northern city, home to Romeo and Juliet
  • Sestri Levante – town on the Baia del Silenzio, the (Bay of Silence)
  • Paestum – amazing ruins sites to visit when based in Sorrento or the Amalfi Coast with the area around where you can get the best buffalo mozzarella

Words / Concepts

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