Join thousands of other listeners on our Substack, The Foodletter! In this solo episode, Brooke comes to you from Florence, Italy to share six essential practices that expert travelers live by. Drawing from her personal travel experiences and years of leading Female Foodie Tours across Italy, Brooke offers practical, heartfelt advice for building memorable, stress-free trips. Whether you're planning your first international adventure or you're a seasoned jet-setter, this episode is packed with tools to help you travel smarter, embrace culture, and enjoy meaningful, magical moments. Key Takeaways

• [03:13] Prioritize Your Priorities: Don't just list your must-dos—schedule them. Make time for the experiences that matter most so you don't leave with regrets.
• [05:12] Don't Overschedule: Leave room for spontaneity and wandering. Some of the best travel moments happen in the unscheduled margins of your day.
• [10:03] Pack the Essentials: Bring comfortable walking shoes, rain gear, a battery pack, and other key items that make a huge difference in your daily experience.
• [17:12] When in Rome, Do as the Romans Do: Embrace local culture without comparison. Whether it's how people cross the street or the lack of ice in your drink—lean into it.
• [19:40] Try New Things: Step out of your comfort zone. Whether it's trying pork cheek or fried calamari, travel is the perfect time to expand your palate and perspective.
• [23:42] Maintain a Good Attitude: Not everything will go perfectly. A flexible mindset turns unexpected hiccups into favorite memories.

Notable Quotes

• (02:30) "Time is our greatest asset, and we don't get it back. That's why our travel should be intentional and memorable."
• (06:39) "Some of the best travel moments happen in the margins—when we let go and allow life to surprise us."
• (23:42) "A good attitude is everything. It's what makes the trip one you'll cherish forever."
• (19:47) "You'll never know unless you try. And that's true for food, experiences, and life."

Resources

• Magnetic Power Bank
• Claire Sneaker
• Follow Female Foodie on Instagram