Planning a trip to Rome and not sure where to stay? In this episode, I break down the best neighborhoods in Rome, the ones to avoid, and how to choose the right area for your trip - whether you’re visiting Italy for the first time, planning a romantic escape, or organizing a family vacation. 

As the founder of a travel agency based in Italy, I’ve lived in Rome’s most iconic neighborhoods, walked its streets at sunrise, and helped hundreds of clients design unforgettable stays. And one thing is clear: where you stay in Rome shapes everything.

You’ll learn:

• The best areas to stay in Rome (Centro Storico, Trastevere, Monti, Prati, & more)
• What areas to avoid and why 
• How to match the neighborhood vibe with your travel style
• Pros and cons of hotels vs. apartments in Rome
• My personal favorite neighborhood 
• Insider tips you won’t find in any guidebook

This episode is packed with Rome travel tips, local insights, and practical advice to help you avoid tourist traps, choose the perfect home base, and create the kind of trip you’ll remember forever.

Whether you’re planning your first trip to Italy or returning to Rome with fresh eyes, this is your essential Rome accommodation guide.

And if you’d like our team to design entire journey - from hand-selected stays to curated experiences, seamless transportation, and ongoing support - you can learn more at https://fabulousvita.com/

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0:00 Why Where You Stay in Rome Changes Everything

2:11 The Most Popular Neighborhoods in Rome

3:04 Centro Storico (Historic Center)

8:44 Trastevere: Lively & Local

14:50 Prati: Quiet, Local, and Close to the Vatican

17:44 Monti: Trendy, Central, and Full of Character

21:50 Where Not to Stay in Rome

22:02 Termini Station Area: Pros & Cons

24:23 Off-Center Neighborhoods to Avoid

26:23 Spanish Steps: My Personal Favorite Area

27:09 Hidden Corners and Sunrise Rituals

31:37 Hotel vs Apartment in Rome

35:14 What to Look for in Reviews

38:43 Final Tips for Choosing the Right Neighborhood

39:09 How My Travel Agency Designs Your Perfect Rome Stay

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Connect with me: 

Youtube Channel : ⁠https://youtube.com/c/StayFabulousTL⁠

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anastasiya.gorshkova/

Visiting Rome in 2025: What the Jubilee Year Means for Your Trip & Travel Planning.

If you’re heading to Italy this year, this is the episode you need. I’m breaking down exactly what it’s like to visit Rome during the 2025 Jubilee Year - from Vatican crowds and rising hotel prices to construction delays and once-in-a-lifetime events you won’t want to miss.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

– What is the Jubilee Year and how it impacts travel to Rome

– Real talk: how Rome actually feels in 2025 (the good & the chaos)

– Rome travel tips: when to book, where to stay, and what to avoid

– Vatican Museums, Holy Doors & the official Jubilee app

– Day trips during the Jubilee: Assisi, Castel Gandolfo & more

– How to design a meaningful trip to Rome in 2025

If you’re searching for Rome 2025 travel tips, Jubilee Year advice, or how to avoid tourist traps in Italy, this episode delivers real insights from someone living in Rome.

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0:00 Visiting Rome in 2025: What You Need to Know

1:29 What Is the Jubilee Year? Explained Simply

2:04 The Energy in Rome Right Now: Sacred & Overwhelming

2:25 The Reality of Vatican Crowds and Long Lines

2:57 Hotel Prices, Airbnb Issues & Local Backlash

4:57 Rome’s Transportation Chaos During the Jubilee

5:41 How to Make Rome in 2025 Work for You

6:10 What to Book in Advance: Vatican, Colosseum, Dining

16:20 Best Areas to Stay in Rome in 2025 (And Where to Avoid)

22:52 How to Use the Jubilee to Your Advantage

24:08 Hidden Gems: Assisi & Castel Gandolfo During Jubilee

25:46 Final Tips: Move with Intention, Not Just an Itinerary

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Connect with me: 

Fabulous Vita Travel : ⁠https://fabulousvita.com

Youtube Channel : ⁠https://youtube.com/c/StayFabulousTL⁠

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anastasiya.gorshkova/

Planning to visit Italy in July or August? Before you book your dream trip, you need to hear this. In this episode, I reveal what Italy is really like in peak summer from the extreme heat and overcrowded hotspots to transportation issues, weak air conditioning, and closures during Ferragosto. This is the side of Italy most travel blogs don’t talk about.

But I’m not here to tell you to cancel your trip. I’ll show you how to make summer in Italy work for you, including where to go, what to avoid, and why lesser-known regions like Puglia, Calabria or Sardinia might be a better fit. As the founder of a travel agency specializing in Italy and Greece, I plan these kinds of trips every summer, and I’m sharing the exact strategies we use to design unforgettable experiences, even during the hottest months.

If you're planning a trip to Italy this summer, this episode could completely change how you travel.

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0:00 Intro: Why I Leave Italy Every Summer

2:14 Greece vs Italy in Peak Season

2:45 Hidden Gems in Greece for Summer Travel

3:48 Why Greece Feels Better in Summer (No Crowds, Breeze, No AC Needed)

6:00 What Most Travelers Don’t Know About July & August in Italy

6:39 The Brutal Heat in Rome, Florence, Venice and Amalfi Coast

8:00 Why Air Conditioning in Italy Isn’t What You Expect

10:00 Crowds in Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, Venice: The Real Experience

12:03 Summer Train Strikes and Transportation Chaos in Italy

16:05 Ferragosto Closures: Why Locals Leave and Tourists Feel It

16:35 How to Make Italy in Summer Work (Yes, It’s Possible)

16:56 Best Places to Visit in Italy in July and August (Puglia, Sardinia, Calabria)

18:38 Early Riser Strategy for Rome, Pompeii, Florence

19:36 Tips for Beating the Heat and Avoiding Tourist Traps

20:53 How My Travel Agency Designs Smart Summer Itineraries

21:31 Final Reflection: Italy in Summer Needs to Be Designed

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Connect with me: 

Fabulous Vita Travel : ⁠https://fabulousvita.com

Youtube Channel : ⁠https://youtube.com/c/StayFabulousTL⁠

Dreaming of visiting Italy and Greece in one trip? Before you book, listen to this. This episode breaks down everything you need to know about planning the perfect Italy and Greece itinerary - from the smartest route to the biggest mistakes travelers make when combining these iconic destinations.

Whether you’re planning a 2-week Europe trip, a honeymoon, or a bucket-list vacation, you’ll get insider tips on:

– How many days you really need

– The best order to visit (Italy or Greece first?)

– Cruise vs land: what’s actually worth it

– What to skip, what to prioritize, and how to avoid burnout

You’ll also learn when it’s better to not combine the two - and why personalized planning makes all the difference for trips like these.

Ready to plan your perfect Europe vacation? Let us create the Italy and Greece trip of your dreams: https://fabulousvita.com/

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0:00 Can You Combine Italy and Greece in One Trip?

2:20 Why Italy and Greece Are the Ultimate Bucket List Combo

4:49 Pros of Visiting Italy and Greece Together

5:55 Cruise vs Land: Which Is Better?

9:59 The #1 Mistake Most Travelers Make

13:48 Essential Italy and Greece Planning Tips

14:11 How Many Days You Really Need

15:04 Best Route: Italy First or Greece First?

18:48 Common Travel Mistakes to Avoid

20:50 When NOT to Combine Italy and Greece

25:10 My Final Honest Advice for Your Trip

26:20 Planning a Trip to Italy or Greece? Let’s Make It Seamless

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Connect with me: 

Fabulous Vita Travel Agency : ⁠https://fabulousvita.com

Youtube Channel : ⁠https://youtube.com/c/StayFabulousTL⁠

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anastasiya.gorshkova/

Tired of the crowds in Santorini and Mykonos? In this episode, I’ll take you on a more intimate Greek Islands travel journey - sharing my personal stories and favorite hidden gems Greece travelers often miss. 

You’ll discover the best Greek islands 2025 for authentic beauty, romantic Greek islands perfect for couples, and unspoiled beaches that still feel magical. 

From my beloved Tinos travel guide, to the breathtaking Milos travel tips, to why Paros has become my second home - you’ll get insider advice for crafting your dream Greece itinerary 2025. Whether you’re dreaming of Greek island hopping, luxury travel Greece, or a Greek summer vacation, this Greece travel podcast will inspire your next adventure.

0:00 Intro: Best Greek Islands 2025 Beyond Santorini & Mykonos

0:52 Why You Should Skip Overcrowded Greek Islands

1:09 Hidden Gems Greece: My Personal Favorites

1:35 Tinos Travel Guide: The Greek Island That Feels Like Home

4:11 Best Things to Do in Tinos: Beaches, Villages, Food

8:51 Who Should Visit Tinos + Travel Tips

10:00 Milos Travel Tips: The Romantic Greek Island Alternative to Santorini

11:20 Best Beaches in Milos: Firiplaka, Kleftiko, Gerakas & More

12:36 Milos Boat Tours & Secret Hot Springs Experience

15:28 Who Milos Is Perfect For + When to Visit

15:56 Paros Travel Guide: My Favorite Greek Island

18:56 Best Beaches and Beach Clubs in Paros

23:15 Exploring Naousa: The Prettiest Town in the Cyclades

24:01 Top Restaurants in Paros: Siparos 

25:46 When to Visit Paros + 2026 Airport Update

27:43 Planning Your Greece Itinerary 2025: Final Tips & Inspiration

28:01 How to Book Your Dream Greek Islands Trip with Us

28:16 Outro: Why These Are the Best Greek Islands for 2025 Travel

Connect with me: 

Fabulous Vita Travel Agency : ⁠https://fabulousvita.com

Youtube Channel : ⁠https://youtube.com/c/StayFabulousTL⁠

Is Santorini Still Worth Visiting in 2025 - or Has Overtourism Ruined It? 

Santorini may be the most iconic destination in Greece, but behind the stunning cave suites and world-famous sunsets lies a growing problem: overtourism. In this travel podcast episode, I take you inside the reality of Santorini in 2025 - sharing shocking statistics, infrastructure challenges, and what it’s really like to visit now.

As the founder of a travel agency for Italy and Greece, I’ve seen Santorini in both the peaceful pandemic era and today’s peak-season crowds. I reveal why cruise ships are overwhelming the island, how tourism is impacting locals, and whether Santorini is still worth a spot on your Greece itinerary.

You’ll hear insider advice and my expert recommendation on how to visit Santorini the right way, including the best alternative Greek islands if you’re craving a more authentic, less crowded experience.

Whether you’re planning your dream trip to Greece or just love exploring the truth behind travel’s most hyped destinations - this episode is for you.

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0:00 Welcome to Santorini 2025: The Hard Truth

0:00 Cruise Ships & Crowds: What’s Really Happening

1:36 Recording from a Cave Suite: Why I’m Here

2:16 Why Santorini Became the Ultimate Bucket List Destination

3:19 My Life on the Island During the Pandemic

5:05 The Surge in Tourism: Latest Visitor Numbers

5:34 Overwhelmed Infrastructure & Local Frustration

7:13 New Laws and Limits: Santorini’s Fight Against Overtourism

7:42 Is It Still Worth the High Prices?

8:19 Walking the Crowded Streets: Our Real Reaction

9:55 Should Santorini Be in Your Greece Itinerary?

10:07 My Travel Agency’s Insider Advice on Visiting

12:59 Best Alternative Greek Islands to Consider

13:59 What Santorini Is - and Isn’t - for Travelers

14:57 Final Verdict: One Day in Santorini Might Be Enough

15:45 Closing Thoughts from the Edge of the Caldera

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Connect with me: 

Fabulous Vita Travel Agency : ⁠https://fabulousvita.com

Youtube Channel : ⁠https://youtube.com/c/StayFabulousTL⁠

Rome vs Paris - which city is better for your next European trip?

In this episode, I compare two of Europe’s most iconic destinations: Rome and Paris. From food and culture to cost, vibe, and attractions, you’ll get an honest breakdown of what it’s really like to visit each city in 2025. Whether you’re planning a France or Italy vacation, deciding where to go for the first time, or just dreaming about European travel, this guide will help you choose the best city to visit in Europe.

I share what it feels like to walk through ancient ruins in Rome vs wandering past world-famous art in Paris, the differences between Italian and French food culture, how locals behave in both cities, and real talk about transportation and cost of travel in Rome vs Paris. Plus, I’ll help you decide what fits your travel style best - rustic pasta under the Roman sun or foie gras by candlelight on the Seine.

If you’re overwhelmed by the Rome vs Paris debate or just want travel tips from someone who’s lived in Rome for 10+ years and just got back from Paris, this episode is for you.

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0:00 Intro – Rome vs Paris Travel Debate

1:52 Planning a France or Italy Vacation?

3:29 Rome vs Paris: Vibe, Energy & Atmosphere

5:03 What It Feels Like to Be in Rome

5:35 What It Feels Like to Be in Paris

6:00 Rome vs Paris: People, Culture & Locals

11:41 Italian Food in Rome: Rustic & Bold

14:11 French Food in Paris: Elegant & Refined

15:57 Top Attractions: Rome’s History vs Paris’s Art

17:12 Getting Around: Rome vs Paris Transportation Tips

20:36 Cost of Travel: Rome vs Paris Budget Comparison

21:35 Pros and Cons of Visiting Rome and Paris

24:42 Which City Is Better for Your European Trip?

26:18 Plan Your Trip with Fabulous Vita Travel Agency

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Connect with me: 

Fabulous Vita Travel Agency : ⁠https://fabulousvita.com

Youtube Channel : ⁠https://youtube.com/c/StayFabulousTL⁠

TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@iamtassanalaapey⁠

Instagram : ⁠https://www.instagram.com/iamtassanalaapey⁠

Planning to take the train in Italy? Don’t make this mistake. As the owner of a travel agency in Italy, I help travelers navigate last-minute train changes, confusing platforms, and cancellations every week—but this time, it happened to me. Trenitalia changed our departure time last minute without warning… and we missed our train to Assisi.

In this episode, I reveal exactly what happened, what you should do if it happens to you, and essential Italy train travel tips that even locals don’t talk about. From finding the hidden EST platforms at Rome Termini, to getting your train ticket rebooked, to knowing your rights if you lose your first-class seat—this is your ultimate guide to train travel in Italy in 2025.

Whether you’re planning a day trip to Tuscany or traveling across Italy by train, this episode will help you avoid stress, missed connections, and chaos at the station.

You’ll learn:

• What to do when Trenitalia changes your train time last-minute
• How to locate hidden train platforms like 1EST and 2EST in Rome
• When and how to request a refund or reimbursement
• The insider tools we use to monitor live train platforms
• Real stories of what can go wrong—and how to fix it fast

🚆HOW TO Travel ITALY BY TRAIN: MUST-WATCH Before You Travel to Italy! I Italy Trains I Italy Travel: https://youtu.be/uJbKonD9j7M

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0:00 Intro: When Italy’s Trains Go Off the Rails

2:39 Missing the Train to Assisi

5:42 Trenitalia Ticket Changes & Refund Tips

6:26 Italy Travel Mistakes at Train Stations

10:15 Italy Train Travel 2025

11:49 Rome Termini Hidden Platforms

13:12 Train Tips from a Local Expert

14:10 How to Track Live Trains in Italy

15:39 Why You Need a Travel Agency in Italy

16:50 Final Thoughts & Italy Train Guide 2025

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Connect with me: 

Fabulous Vita Travel Agency : ⁠https://fabulousvita.com

Youtube Channel : ⁠https://youtube.com/c/StayFabulousTL⁠

⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anastasiya.gorshkova/

What if turning 40 didn’t feel like a crisis — but a homecoming? In this episode, I share how travel shaped me, broke me open, and helped me become who I am.

In this milestone episode, I reflect on the bold, transformative journey that brought me to 40 — from immigrating to the U.S. at 16, studying abroad in Italy, leaving a successful corporate career, and building a new life across cultures. Travel didn’t just change my scenery — it changed me.

If you’ve ever dreamed of starting over, moving abroad, traveling solo, or living a more authentic life, this episode is for you. I talk about the moments that defined me: getting lost in unfamiliar cities, building a business from scratch, falling in love in Belgium, and finding peace in Italy and Greece.

We explore how travel teaches emotional resilience, self-trust, freedom, and clarity — especially for women navigating life after 30, 40, or beyond. This isn’t just a story about travel — it’s about reinvention, identity, and choosing a life that feels like yours.

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0:00 Turning 40: A Homecoming, Not a Crisis

1:52 How Travel Became My Greatest Teacher

2:55 Leaving Ukraine at 16: My First Bold Leap

12:24 Studying Abroad in Rome Changed Everything

17:02 Quitting Corporate to Move to Italy

18:50 The Trip to Belgium That Changed My Life

22:51  Ayahuasca and a Deep Spiritual Shift

23:22 Greece, Lockdown, and Starting Over Again

24:04 Top Life Lessons Travel Taught Me

25:24 What Life Feels Like at 40 as a Woman

27:52 A Love Letter to Travel & Reinvention

28:47 What’s Next: Celebrating 40 in Paris

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Connect with me: 

Fabulous Vita Travel Agency : ⁠https://fabulousvita.com

Youtube Channel : ⁠https://youtube.com/c/StayFabulousTL⁠

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anastasiya.gorshkova/

Planning a dream vacation to Italy? Think again before assuming everything is “just a short drive away.” In this episode, I reveal some of the biggest Italy travel mistakes tourists make—like trying to visit the Amalfi Coast and Puglia in one day or squeezing in a Milan to Switzerland day trip without realizing the real distances involved.

You’ll hear real stories from my travel agency clients, including one who wanted to dine at the famous Grotta Palazzese while staying in Positano, and another who tried to plan a quick Alpine detour from Milan to Zurich and back. I’ll break down why Italy looks small on the map but feels massive in reality, thanks to its unique geography, regional train systems, and winding coastal roads.

If you’re planning your Italy itinerary, this episode will save you hours of stress by showing you how to avoid overpacking your schedule and what to do instead for a more authentic, unforgettable experience. I’ll also share insider tips on how to travel smart in Italy, when to stay overnight, and why working with a local travel agency can make all the difference.

Whether you’re dreaming of Positano sunsets, Swiss Alps adventures, or dining cliffside in Puglia, this episode will help you plan a smoother, smarter Italian getaway.

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0:00 Why Italy Looks Small But Feels Huge

1:16 A Real Client Story: Amalfi Coast vs Puglia Confusion

1:33 Why Grotta Palazzese Isn't a Quick Detour from Positano

5:05 Italy Looks Small - But Travels Big 

7:20 A Real Client Story: Milan to Switzerland Day Trip Attempt

8:36 Bernina Express Dreams vs. Time on the Road

11:02 The Most Common Italy Itinerary Mistake Travelers Make

12:48 How to Plan Smart and Travel Italy Like a Pro

15:02 Why Working with a Local Travel Agency in Italy Saves You Time

16:06 When to Choose Day Trips vs Overnight Stays in Italy

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Connect with me: 

Fabulous Vita Travel Agency : ⁠https://fabulousvita.com

Youtube Channel : ⁠https://youtube.com/c/StayFabulousTL⁠

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anastasiya.gorshkova/