Stay Fabulous

Most people assume summer is Italy’s busiest season, but after years of helping travelers plan their dream trips, I can tell you the real peak is actually September and October. In this episode, I’ll share exactly what fall in Italy is like: the weather, the crowds, the prices, what’s open, and the pros and cons of visiting at this time of year.

From Rome, Florence, Venice, and Tuscany to the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre, I’ll explain why fall has become the busiest time in Italy and what that means for your trip. You’ll learn why hotels are most expensive in September and October, how restaurants and top tours are booked out months in advance, and how the harvest season makes it one of the most magical (yet misunderstood) times to visit.

If you’re planning a trip to Italy in September or October, this episode is your insider guide. I’ll give you the expert strategies I use for the clients of my travel agency - from booking hotels and guides to timing your sightseeing, so you can enjoy Italy at its very best without the stress.

Link to the YouTube video about How to Travel Italy by Train : https://youtu.be/uJbKonD9j7M?si=jBuntUWfnLvkz-_f

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0:00 Why Fall in Italy Surprises Travelers

2:29 Is Fall Really Italy’s Shoulder Season?

4:13 September vs. Summer in Italy: Weather, Crowds & Costs

7:48 What’s Open in September & October Across Italy

9:48 Pros of Visiting Italy in the Fall

13:39 Cons of Traveling to Italy in September & October

19:54 Expert Tips for Planning Italy in Peak Fall Season

28:42 Final Thoughts: Is Fall the Best Time to Visit 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/⁠

Greek Islands in September: Still Worth Visiting or Too Late?
September in Greece often sparks the question: Is it the best-kept secret of the Greek Islands, or already too late in the season? In this episode, recorded here in Greece, I uncover exactly what travelers can expect when visiting the Greek Islands in September, from what the weather really feels like and how busy the islands are, to ferry schedules, nightlife, and how prices shift once peak season ends.

You’ll discover:

• What September weather in Greece is really like, including sun, rain, and sea temperatures.
• Which Greek Islands in September still feel lively and which become much quieter?
• How ferries, restaurants, and beach clubs operate after August.
• The key pros and cons of visiting Greece in September include fewer crowds, lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere.
• My personal tips for planning the perfect Greek Islands September travel guide.

Whether you are drawn to Santorini in September, Mykonos nightlife, Paros and Naxos escapes, or Crete’s beaches, this episode will help you decide if September is the right time for your trip and why it might just be the most rewarding month of the year to experience Greece.

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0:00 Greece in September - Is It Too Late To Visit The Greek Islands

1:38 September vs. Peak Summer in Greece

4:34 Is Everything Still Open in September?

6:16 Pros of Visiting the Greek Islands in September

13:12 Cons of Traveling to Greece in September

16:29 My Honest Travel Recommendations

18:00 Planning Ahead for Future Greece Trips

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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 trip to Greece and wondering: Mykonos vs Santorini vs Paros - which Greek island is REALLY best for you? In this episode, I compare three of the most popular destinations in the Cyclades.

Whether you’re looking for romance, adventure, nightlife, or authenticity, this guide will help you decide which Greek island fits your dream vacation. I also share insider travel tips, real costs, pros and cons of each island, and the best island-hopping combinations. 

Perfect for anyone planning a Greek island holiday, this episode will save you time, money, and stress while helping you choose the right island for your trip.

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0:00 Mykonos vs Santorini vs Paros

2:00 Santorini: Sunsets, Cave Hotels, Romance

7:31 Santorini Pros/Cons: Crowds and Few Beaches

8:25 Who Santorini Suits: Honeymooners, First-Timers

10:06 Mykonos: Nightlife, Beach Clubs, Shopping

13:41 Mykonos Costs: Hotels, Food, Clubs

16:17 Who Mykonos Suits: Party Lovers, Jet-Setters

18:39 Paros: Villages, Beaches, Local Charm

20:15 Paros Food: Best Restaurants and Tavernas

24:19 Paros Downsides: Transport and Airport

28:19 How to Choose Your Island

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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/

Dreaming of a magical trip to Santorini but worried Oia’s crowds will ruin the experience? In this episode, I reveal the best place to stay in Santorini that offers stunning caldera views, romantic sunsets, and authentic Greek food - without the chaos of Oia or Fira.

Perched at the highest point on the caldera, Imerovigli offers everything travelers dream of in Greece - dramatic sunset views, boutique hotels with infinity pools, romantic Cycladic architecture, and peaceful streets far from the cruise ship crowds. Whether you’re planning a Santorini honeymoon, a getaway in Greece, or visiting on a Mediterranean cruise, this hidden gem is where you’ll find the magic you’ve been searching for.

I’ll share Santorini travel tips on the best restaurants, caldera hikes, and local experiences that make Imerovigli unforgettable.

Link to the previous podcast episode about Santorini in 2025: Still Worth Visiting or Ruined by Overtourism: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2270100/episodes/17248239 

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0:00 The Truth About Santorini & Oia

6:28 Discovering Imerovigli: Santorini’s Hidden Gem

7:58 How Imerovigli is Better Than Oia or Fira

9:46 The Best Views and Hikes

11:41 Planning Your Santorini Honeymoon or Cruise Stop

15:51 Final Thoughts: The Real Santorini Experience

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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/

What’s it really like to live in Rome, Italy? Not the Instagram fantasy, but the real life of moving to Rome, from breathtaking sunsets over the Colosseum to endless bureaucracy, transport strikes, and the kind of chaos that only Italy can deliver.

In this episode, I share the beautiful, chaotic, and utterly addictive reality of living in Rome. You’ll hear stories about golden light in Villa Borghese, sleepless nights thanks to blaring alarms, navigating Italy’s famous bureaucracy, and learning why Rome doesn’t change for you - you change for Rome.

If you’ve ever dreamed of moving to Italy, curious about expat life in Rome, or just fascinated by the romance and reality of Italian culture, this is your inside look. I’ll also give practical advice for anyone considering making the leap: how to handle the frustrations, embrace the magic, and decide if living in Rome long-term is truly for you.

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0:00 Intro: The Truth of Life in Italy

1:26 The Allure of Rome: History, Food, and Italian Culture

2:17 Chaos, Bureaucracy, and Life in Rome

5:18 Transport Strikes and Unexpected Delays

6:09 Why Rome Is Addictive: Beauty That Keeps You Hooked

8:10 Lessons for Expats: Moving to Italy and Thriving in Rome

11:44 Closing Thoughts: Why Living in Rome Changes You Forever

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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/

If you’ve started planning a trip to Italy and now find yourself standing in front of your suitcase, wondering what to wear in Italy, this episode is your ultimate style guide. I’m sharing exactly how to dress for Italy’s most unforgettable occasions - from opera nights at Teatro alla Scala in Milan, to elegant dinners in Florence and Rome, to chic Italian weddings.

As the founder of a travel agency in Italy and a personal stylist based in Rome, I’ll walk you through the Italian dress codes that truly matter, the style mistakes that instantly mark you as a tourist, and how to create a versatile capsule wardrobe that makes you look and feel confident everywhere you go.

Whether your travels take you to Rome, Florence, Venice, Tuscany, or the Amalfi Coast, you’ll learn how to pack with purpose, dress with intention, and embrace the effortless elegance Italy is known for.

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0:00 Setting the Stage for Dressing Well in Italy

2:15 Why Style Matters in Italy and How Clothing Shows Respect and Presence

3:54 Opera in Italy - What to Wear for a Night at the Opera

7:30 Dressing for Casual Lunches and Elegant Dinners

9:33 Italian Weddings, Guest Attire Tips and Style Expectations

11:06 Common Tourist Fashion Mistakes to Avoid - What Not to Wear

20:00 Packing Tips - Capsule Wardrobe Essentials for Italy

29:03 Final Thoughts - Dressing With Intention and Confidence

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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/

Everyone dreams of getting married in Italy, but what actually happens at a real Italian wedding?

Last week, I attended one in Umbria, where my American best friend married his Italian partner. It was stunning, romantic, and full of surprises. From pre-wedding serenades and epic aperitivo spreads to Italian fashion, the weather, and why guests wire money instead of bringing gifts - I’m sharing it all in this episode. Whether you're planning a destination wedding, attending one, or just love Italian culture, this is a real, behind-the-scenes look at how Italians celebrate love - with food, style, and no rush.

If you’re planning a wedding in Italy, attending one soon, or you just love Italian culture and travel stories, this one’s for you.

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 0:00 Intro: What Really Happens at an Italian Wedding

2:21 What is Serenata

4:11 Why Guests Give Money, Not Gifts

5:37 Pre-Ceremony Drinks and Guest Arrival Culture

7:27 Italian Wedding Vows and Late Start Times

8:30 Aperitivo Hour

9:30 The Wedding Meal

13:02 The Entertainment

14:42 Wedding Dress Code

16:16 Wild Weather

17:29 Accommodations and Getting There

20:53 Final Thoughts: What Really Makes Italian Weddings Special

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Connect with me: 

Fabulous Vita Travel : ⁠https://fabulousvita.com

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

Thinking about visiting Italy in August? Before you lock in your plans, you need to know what really happens during Ferragosto - Italy’s centuries-old holiday on August 15 that can completely change your trip.

In this episode, I share what most guidebooks and travel blogs don’t tell you:

• What Ferragosto actually is and why cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice feel so different
• Why your favorite trattorias, artisan shops, or even the Vatican Museums might be closed
• What it really feels like to be in Italy in mid-August: the heat, the empty neighborhoods, and the cultural rhythms locals live by
• The mistakes travelers often make that can turn a dream trip into a disappointment and how you can avoid them
• Smart ways to plan an unforgettable August trip anyway, from early morning tours and hidden regions like Umbria and Le Marche, to embracing the slower local pace

Whether it’s your first visit to Italy or your tenth, this episode will help you see beyond the glossy photos and really understand what August feels like here, so you can plan a trip that actually works.

If you appreciate real-world Italy travel insight that goes beyond the surface, be sure to follow the podcast for more. And if you’re dreaming of a trip that’s thoughtfully designed around the rhythms of August, not disrupted by them, my travel agency can help you plan it beautifully: ⁠https://fabulousvita.com

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0:00 Why August In Italy Isn’t What Most Travelers Expect

2:03 What Is Ferragosto?

2:37 The Truth About Ferragosto Most Tourists Don’t Know

3:32 The Reality of Traveling to Italy Mid-August

5:37 A Personal Story From My First August in Rome

7:28 Is August the Most Expensive Time to Visit Italy?

8:35 How to Plan a Trip to Italy in August (Smart Tips)

11:14 Should You Travel to Italy During Ferragosto?

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Connect with me: 

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

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

Planning a trip to France? This episode will change everything you thought you knew about where to go.

Most travelers follow the same path: Paris, Nice, maybe Saint-Tropez. But what if the most unforgettable places in France aren’t the ones you’ve seen on Instagram but the ones no one told you about?

In this episode, I’m taking you beyond the typical France travel itinerary and into the hidden heart of the country - the villages, coastlines, and slow-living corners that American travelers often overlook, but never forget.

You’ll discover breathtaking destinations that rarely show up on France travel guides, including places that feel more like a dream than a destination where silence becomes part of the experience, and beauty isn’t filtered, it’s felt.

Whether it’s your first time planning a trip to France or your fifth, this is the episode that will shift how you design your itinerary and help you experience a side of France that’s quieter, richer, and far more soulful.

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0:00 Intro: Where Americans Travel in France (and Why That Needs to Change)

1:03 France Beyond Paris: What Most Itineraries Are Missing

2:41 Why Americans Keep Visiting the Same French Destinations

2:48 The Truth About Paris, Nice, and Saint-Tropez

3:15 The France Most Travelers Never See

3:49 Hidden Gems in France: Coastal Towns & Hilltop Villages

4:38 Cassis, France Travel Guide: Calanques, Wine & Quiet Beauty

4:54 Why Cassis Is Better Than Saint-Tropez for a Summer Escape

6:02 Gordes Travel Tips: Provence’s Most Breathtaking Village

7:25 Slow Travel in France: Why It Changes Everything

7:43 How to Build Contrast into Your France Itinerary

8:17 Designing Flow, Not Just Logistics: The Fabulous Vita Way

8:48 Your Next France Trip: Go Deeper, Go Differently

8:58 Final Thoughts: The Places in France That Stay With You

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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 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/