In this episode of That Was Delicious, host Brooke shares her personal experiences and insights from her travels in Italy, focusing on the eight biggest mistakes she’s made. With extensive time spent exploring Italy's vibrant cities, culinary delights, and hidden gems, Brooke offers listeners valuable tips and lessons learned from her travels. From overpacking to visiting during peak season, Brooke’s reflections provide practical advice to help travelers avoid common pitfalls and enhance their own Italian adventures. Whether you're planning a trip to Italy or simply curious about the country's rich culture, this episode is packed with useful insights.   Key Takeaways

• [3:11] Packing Too Much: Brooke shares the challenges of overpacking, especially when visiting places like Cinque Terre, where lighter packing is ideal due to the terrain.
• [6:43] Not Planning Meals: She stresses the importance of planning meals ahead of time, especially when visiting popular tourist spots to avoid disappointment.
• [9:55] Moving Too Quickly: One of the biggest mistakes is rushing through cities. Brooke recommends spending at least three to five days in each city to fully appreciate it.
• [13:15] Visiting During Peak Season: Brooke advises traveling in the shoulder seasons (September, October, May) to avoid the crowds and heat of summer.
• [16:00] Not Buying Tickets in Advance: For popular attractions like The Last Supper in Milan and The David in Florence, Brooke recommends purchasing tickets well in advance.
• [18:07] Not Getting an International Driving Permit: She encourages travelers to get an international driving permit for renting cars in Italy.
• [20:20] Grocery Store Etiquette: Brooke explains the importance of weighing and labeling produce in Italian grocery stores, as well as using gloves when handling items.
• [22:10] Not Understanding Italian Food Culture: Each region in Italy specializes in specific dishes, and it’s important to know what to eat where.

  Notable Quotes

• (11:00) "You miss out on the beauty of a place when you're constantly rushing to the next destination. Take the time to savor where you are."
• (20:08) "If you're planning on coming to Italy and driving, just get the permit and bring it with you. You'll be so happy you did."
• (22:10) "Don't make the mistake of thinking Italy is one homogeneous place when it comes to food. Every region has its own specialties, and you should embrace that."

  Resources:

• Sign up for the latest tour information at www.femalefoodietours.com.
• Cinque Terre & Bologna Tour Info
• Collapsible Duffel Bag
• Interview with Mike Brooks and Brad Otten
• 20 Must-Know Tips For Eating Out in Italy Follow Female Foodie on Instagram