Shows
Only A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastHonest Downsides to Living in Italy: Unfortunate Realities for WomenTrigger warning: In this episode, we talk about femicide, assault, women in the workplace, abortion, IVF, and adoption. We do our best to put trigger warnings where appropriate so you can skip ahead. If this episode isn't for you or if you're not in the headspace to listen, we completely understand! This episode is a bit of a departure from our normal topics, but it's something we care deeply about: women's rights, equality, and access to healthcare. We also touch on another topic important to us, LGBTQ+ family's rights and healthcare. As we've said before, it feels...2025-05-281h 23Only A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastDriving a Car in Italy: The Dos, the Don'ts, and the Absolutely NotsIn this episode we’ll tell you all you need to know about renting a car in Italy. "Do I need an international driver's permit? Should I rent a car for a wine tour? I can't drive manual, can I rent an automatic?" From personal experience and in-depth research we’ve got you covered from getting a permit, renting a car, road rules, and everything in-between. One thing we forgot to mention: "Which side of the road do they drive on in Italy?" in Italy, we drive on the right! If you'd like to support Only A Bag...2025-05-211h 10Only A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastExploring off the Beaten Path: The CilentoLooking for "hidden Italy"? This may be the place you're looking for! Immaculate coastline, tiny mountain towns that non-Italians rarely find, fresh, local food, and rosemary which may be the key to everlasting youth. In this episode, we're talking about the Cilento (pronounced chee-len-toe). Head south from the heavily-touristed Amalfi Coast to find it. The Cilento is a National Park full of mountains, lush forests, small towns and cities, some of the best food you'll ever eat, and, of course, the Costa del Cilento which stretches from Agropoli to Sapri. If you'd like to...2025-05-141h 10Only A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastHonest Downsides to Living in Italy: Freedom of Speech, Corruption, Racism, FascismIt wouldn't feel right to put out a bunch of episodes centered on how to live in Italy without also mentioning some of the things that can make Italy a difficult country to live in. We don't go super in-depth into any of these topics, instead just offering some anecdotal and experience-based information (with actual research as well, to be clear) on freedom of speech/press, Corruption and Trash, Racism, and Fascism. You might be able to tell that we're very cautious about the way we speak, and this is due to not wanting to be sued...2025-05-071h 18Only A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastThe Amalfi Coast: An IntroductionDeviating slightly from the episode we expected to make, this week we're talking about the Amalfi Coast. We've touched on it slightly before, but with the summer season starting to ramp up, we wanted to talk about how to get to this popular summer destination, things to look out for, some pastries to try, and how to not get trapped out there! If you'd like to support Only A Bag and you're headed to the Amalfi Coast (or anywhere!) you can use our Booking.com link to book your next trip! And if you'd like...2025-04-301h 15Only A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastHow To Live In Italy: The Digital Nomad and Remote Worker VisasTo round up our series of episodes about visas, today we're talking about the digital nomad and remote worker visas. They are possibly the most complicated of the visas available mostly because there is less information about to how receive these visas compared to others like the student visa or elective residency visa. For more information on all of the visas we've talked about you can check out Nathaniel's article "How to Move to Italy: The Ultimate Guide for Americans (2025)." For more info about being a digital nomad in Italy check out some of our other articles...2025-04-2353 minOnly A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastHow To Live In Italy: Golden Visa, Elective Residency Visa, and Birthright CitizenshipJure Sanguinis Update: A major "thank you" to one of our listeners for pointing out a recent decree from March 28th that affects birthright citizenship. Under the new ruling, the only people who are applicable are those with Italian parents who were born in Italy, those with Italian parents who lived in Italy for a minimum of 2 consecutive years before giving birth to you, and those with grandparents who were born in Italy. This isn't a law yet, just a decree, and the Italian government has until the end of May to pass it into a law...2025-04-161h 23Only A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastThe Most Beautiful City in Italy You Might Not Have Heard Of: MateraWe have fit everything we possibly could about this incredible city into this episode! How do I get there? What is there to do? Why is it called "The City of Caves?" Should I even bother going? Yes! We'll tell you all about it. In this episode we talk about everything you need to know to visit, but the city's history is vast, so we only touch on that a little. But we'll be doing a deep dive into the history of this 7,000 year old community in a later episode, so stay tuned!In...2025-04-091h 20Only A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastTips for Traveling With Someone Else: Part 2Picking up where we left off in the previous episode, we continue to cover setting and managing expectations, especially as they surround food, sharing responsibilities, and getting clear on what you want to do and see (or don't want to). Thanks so much for listening! You can check out articles on onlyabag.com with new articles coming out all the time. If you liked the podcast, please leave a review, it helps us immensely! You can contact us on our website and follow us on Bluesky and wherever you're listening to this podcast. 2025-04-021h 01Only A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastTips For Traveling With Someone Else: Part 1Traveling with someone else can be an amazing opportunity to share a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It can also be incredibly stressful if you've never traveled before, or traveled together before.In this Part 1 of 2, we discuss setting expectations around a budget and transportation. Thanks so much for listening! You can check out articles on onlyabag.com with new articles coming out all the time. If you liked the podcast, please leave a review, it helps us immensely! You can contact us on our website and follow us on Bluesky and wherever you're listening to this podcast. 2025-04-0244 minOnly A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastTap Water, Tipping, and Toilets: The 3 Ts of Traveling in Italy"Is tap water safe to drink in Italy?", "What's the deal with tipping?", "Do they expect me to use the bidet in a public bathroom?", and perhaps most importantly, "Why does the alarm go off in a public toilet when I pull that thin cord?". In this episode we answer all that and more! We also discover how incensed Darcy is about a rage-bait Instagram video and Nathaniel's views on tipping culture. Thanks so much for listening! You can check out articles on onlyabag.com with new articles coming out all the time. If you like...2025-03-261h 02Only A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastTravel Tips You Didn't Know You NeededAfter our recent trips to Venice and Florence we thought we'd share some of our hard-learned tips that have become second nature. Can you be fined for sitting in the wrong seat on a train? What do you do if you get separated while traveling? We will also talk about setting expectations, the importance of communicating your needs to your travel partner(s), and how crucial it is to bring two pairs of shoes (Nathaniel didn't and paid dearly).In this episode we mention Nathaniel's article "Espresso Drinks and How to Order Them" which explains each type...2025-03-191h 07Only A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastWhat is the Venice Carnevale? Masks, Costumes, and PastriesNathaniel has had about four cups of coffee, so please bear with him as he and Darcy jump into the world of the Venice Carnavale. I can hear you now, your questions coming to me:What is the Carnavale? Why is it in February, one of the worst times to go to Italy (or best, if you're on a budget!)? What are the little fried pieces of Heaven called "fritelle"? And most importantly, I want a mask, where do I get one?Well, this episode has you covered! It covers everything you need...2025-03-121h 12Only A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastVenice Revisited: Theme Park, Pickpockets, and Finger FoodIn this episode we unpack (pun intended) all that we learned on our recent trip to Venice. How do you avoid pickpockets? What are cicchetti? Can you really buy a glass of wine for €1.50? And some important rules to follow while visiting, like don't sit on the church steps! Stay tuned for articles on Venice and more coming soon to onlyabag.com. If you're planning your visit to Venice (or anywhere), you can help out the podcast by using our affiliate links with Booking, Expedia, and Agoda.Thank you all so much for listening! 2025-03-051h 05Only A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastHow To Live In Italy: Work Visa and Retirement VisaIn a continuation of the mini-series on living in Italy, today brings us to the work visa, the retirement visa, and the working holiday visa. In this episode, we dive into why the work visa isn't as easy to get as a student visa, how to apply for it, and how to apply for other types of permits that will allow you to work in Italy (such as the Blue Card). As we mention towards the end of the episode, we highly encourage you to find a recruiter or an agency that helps with this in order...2025-02-191h 08Only A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastHow To Live In Italy: Renting An ApartmentIf you're thinking about moving to Italy and studying or working here, then one of the first steps is securing housing. While this might sound dry, trying to find an apartment in Italy can be one of the most rage-inducing aspects of living here, but it can also be one of the most exciting.In this episode, we break down what to expect, what to look out for, what the lengths of a contract are, where to find apartments, and even how to get a codice fiscale. For info on of all of the visa...2025-02-121h 03Only A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastCan You REALLY Buy A House In Italy For 1 Euro?The 1 euro house project has been talked about in countless articles, on the news, and spread across social media. So, can you really buy a house in Italy for 1 euro? Sort of. What most people don't mention are the extra costs like taxes, fees, and renovation costs. Plus, did you know about the renovation timeline a homeowner has to adhere to? In this episode we lay out the details of buying a "1 euro house" and the alternative, buying an inexpensive house in Italy "regular style."
In this episode we mention two great resources.
Idealista article:2025-02-051h 12Only A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastHow to Live in Italy: Student VisaIf you aren't related to an Italian and can't get the jus sanguinis visa, perhaps the easiest way to live in Italy is by acquiring a student visa. Can I go to college in Italy? Can I take courses taught in English? How much does it cost? In this episode we answer all of those questions and more. For a breakdown of all the visa options for living in Italy you can check out Nathaniel's article "How to Move to Italy: The Ultimate Guide for Americans" on our website. Don't forget to bookmark it to reference later!2025-01-2954 minOnly A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastHow to Live in ItalyAfter a trip filled with good pasta, great gelato, and a wealth of national treasures, what could be more natural than wanting to live here? At least, that was our thought! In this episode, we look at four of the most common avenues for residency: jus sanguinis, work visa, student visa, and digital nomad visa. We will delve into each of these more in depth in later episodes (poll below, if you'd like to tell us which kind of episodes you prefer), but for now, he's a little bit of information to get that imagination started! 2025-01-221h 01
Art on the AirArt(s) on the Air with Darcy MeltonJoin Tamara for an interview with oil painter Darcy Melton, a local native who attended Savannah Arts Academy and then tried fashion school in NYC for a year, before returning to Savannah and the self-directed study of fine art. Her work focuses on portraits (she accepts commissions) and still lifes, and she has taught painting workshops at the Jepson Center and at Arts on the Coast in Richmond Hill.
Darcy's mother-in-law is Melinda Borysevicz, a former local figurative oil painter who has moved to Italy, and through her Darcy's been able to gain Italian residency too. She...2025-01-1552 minOnly A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastShould I Take a Cruise in Italy?Planning on taking a cruise to/around Italy? Not sure what that entails? Struggling to see how it's possible given the fact many of the towns are land-locked?
After Darcy talked to her mom about an upcoming trip to Italy, we were inspired to do a little digging into cruises to, from, and around Italy. Some are massive cruise ships with multi-port journeys, water slides, and endless buffets others are, in fact, ferries with an unassuming bar and restaurant that get you from point A to B. In this episode we get into the pros and cons...2025-01-151h 05Only A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastLa Befana: The Witch Who Comes Before EpiphanyWhy do Italian children put out their shoes on January 5th to be filled with candy? Why are there so many witches and witch-related accoutrement after Christmas? And what can you do on January 6th in Italy to celebrate (or just partake) in Epiphany? Well, free candy galore, for one! In this episode, we dive in and give you everything you need to know about Epiphany. If you’re planning on going to Rome this year, we highly recommend booking your hotels (and potentially even your flights) as soon as possible. If you’d like to help out...2025-01-081h 12Only A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastThe Wide World of Italian Christmas Sweets (or, Wintertime Treats)This week, we take a look at some of our favorite wintertime desserts, treats, and pastries. From the popular panettone to the less-known fried chiacchiere (or, chit-chat), we take you down the sugary path of what to look forward to in Italy this time of year.
We also want to extend a huge "thank you" to everyone who listened to us this year, who followed the show, left a review, and enjoyed it. It means the world to us and we're looking forward to 2025! We hope you have a Happy New Year!
...2025-01-011h 11Only A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastUnderstanding the Murky Origins of Christmas and What It Looks Like Today in ItalyWhy is Christmas celebrated on December 25th and is it because of a Roman Emperor? Did Romans take off work and celebrate the winter holidays like we do? We'll tell you all about that as well as how Christmas is celebrated in Italy today. We'll answer questions like who brings gifts to Italian children on Christmas eve and do Italians have Christmas trees?
With the Jubilee coming up we highly recommend booking hotels in Rome as soon as possible, if you're planning on visiting in 2025. If you're visiting other parts of Italy in the...2024-12-181h 07Only A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastWhere Are the Best Christmas Markets in Italy?Which Christmas market is the most popular? Which is the oldest? We'll answer those questions and more in this episode!
Edit, and this is a big one: In this episode Darcy is super excited about the "biggest Christmas tree in the world." Upon further fact checking, it is not in fact a living tree, but Christmas lights arranged along the side of Mount Ingino in the shape of a Christmas tree.
We do our best to deliver only accurate information, but sometimes things slip through the cracks, like "the biggest Christmas tree in the world." W...2024-12-111h 05Only A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastHow to Order Coffee in Italy Like a Natural — Plus, a Brief HistoryIn this episode, we teach you how to order coffee in Italy like a natural. Some of you might see that this is a quasi-repeat of a previous episode. Part of that is due to us learning more about the coffee culture in Italy, and part of that is due to us watching Lidia Poet on Netflix and wondering why they were drinking tea.
So in this episode we delve into the history of coffee in Italy, and teach you how to order your favorite drinks.
If you’re planning on going to...2024-11-201h 06Only A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastDoes Italy Have Medical Tourism?Can I go to Italy as a medical tourist? What if I want to get some dental work done, or visit a health clinic? In this episode, we try and explore the idea of medical tourism (visiting Italy solely for health-related needs) and what kind of basic healthcare you might have access to in Italy.
If you’re planning on going to Rome in 2025, we highly recommend booking your hotels (and potentially even your flights) as soon as possible. If you’d like to help out Only A Bag, you can use our affiliate links marked with an a...2024-11-1352 minOnly A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastDoes Venice Feel Like a Theme Park?We’ve heard opinions from Italians and western tourists about Venice. We’ve seen questions like “What time does Venice close?” and “Does anyone actually live in Venice?” Nathaniel had been to Venice before, but two weeks ago I visited for time. We stayed for just one night and in this episode we address these questions and share our first impressions.
Shout out to the Enoteca (wine bar) mentioned in this episode called "Stappo." You can check them out here stappovenezia.com .
As always thank you for listening! 2024-11-0657 minOnly A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastSpecial Episode: Witches of ItalyHappy Halloween, witches! In this episode we talk about the history of witchcraft in Italy. From herbs and invocations to hallucinogenic oils and riding animals following Herodias. And who is Herodias? Who is the queen of witches? We'll tell you. We also talk about the far too unknown Italian witch trials as well as how witchcraft exists in modern life in Italy. Welcome to our special Halloween Episode!
As always thank you for listening!
2024-10-301h 12Only A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastTravel Health Insurance vs. Travel Insurance: Which is Right For You?Darcy is still under the weather so it's just Nathaniel in today's episode! If you'll forgive the random tangents and the "um"s scattered throughout, I will try to help you understand the difference between travel insurance, travel health insurance, and at the end, I'll quickly discuss how to bring prescriptions with you on the plane. (Spoiler: you will need the .pdf from this website, or your own note.
If you’re planning on going to Rome in 2025, we highly recommend booking your hotels (and potentially even your flights) as soon as possible. If you’d like to he...2024-10-161h 01Only A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastNo Episode This Week; We Shall Return Next Week!Hello everyone!
Darcy caught a bit of a cold/flu situation so she's been in bed recovering for the past few days.
Instead of listening to an hour long monologue by yours truly, we thought it would be better to push the episode to next week, where we'll either double-publish on Wednesday or publish Monday and Wednesday.
As always, thank you all so much for your support!2024-10-0901 minOnly A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastIs Pickpocketing Really Something To Be Concerned About?Don't wear a weeding ring, don't take out your phone, cover up any expensive labels. There are countless tips out there to avoid looking like a target, so is getting pickpocketed a real fear?
Likewise, what are some scams you might run into while traveling in Italy?
And is it safe to walk around at night?
In this episode, we talk about crime, safety, and everything around it.
If you’re planning on going to Rome in 2025, we highly recommend booking your hotels (and potentially even your flights) as soon as po...2024-10-021h 22Only A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastWhat is the Rome Jubilee? A Brief—but Exciting!— HistoryDid you know?
The Rome Jubilee is based on Jewish tradition.
The Holy Door is walled up and must be broken down so that the Pope can unlock it with a hidden key.
Your sins can be absolved (according to the Catholic church)!
In this episode we get into the history and details of the Rome Jubilee. Plus, go check out our previous episode for all of the modern-day practicalities of visiting Rome during the Jubilee, just as many fun facts but in the 21st century not the 14th.
If...2024-09-2540 minOnly A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastRome's Jubilee and How It Might Affect Your TripThe cost of the transportation system is rising, and they're thinking about instituting a small charge to see the Trevi Fountain. But it's not all bad! If you want to walk to Rome, they're also pouring money into the Via Francigena to make it easier for pilgrims to make their way along the Canterbury-Rome road.
And if you want to take part in the festivities, we have you covered! Here's a link to the Vatican Website where you can go ahead and get your Pilgrim Card!
If you’re planning on going to Rome in 2025, we...2024-09-2552 minOnly A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastDoes Europe's Upcoming Visa Rules Affect You? (Probably) Plus, Raised Tourist Taxes!While it's taken a long time to come to fruition, it looks like the EU is set to rollout their new visa scheme in the first half of 2025. So, what does this mean as a non-European? Do Americans (if you are American) now need a visa to go to Italy?
And what about this raised tourist tax we keep hearing so much about? Do you actually have to pay 25 euros a night in addition to a hotel room?
In this episode, we hope to inform you and assuage those fears about what 2025 will look like...2024-09-181h 11Only A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastAre There Mosquitos In Italy? Yes, And So Much More!Or, as Darcy likes to call it, Creepy Crawly Cuties!
Are there mosquitos in Italy? What are those tiny little bugs that bite me so painfully? Do I have to worry about scorpions? Most importantly, do I have to worry about rabies?
In this episode, we delve into the biting, stinging, flying, and slithering side of Italy!
As always, we truly appreciate you all for listening!
You can find us at onlyabag.com and @onlyabagpodcast. 2024-09-101h 10Only A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastCan I Take the Orient Express in Italy? Yes, Well Sort Of.Do you love trains? Travel back in time on trains from the 1930s and 50s for family friendly day-trips at around 7-12 euros with Fondazione FS. Or travel in style (there is a dress code), in all out luxuriousness with La Dolce Vita by Orient Express or Venice Simplon Orient Express by Belmond with trips stating around 4,000 euros. In this episode we talk about it all. Let's get into it.
Want to support our podcast? You can use our links to book your train trip.
*Links with an asterisk are affiliate links. B...2024-09-0457 minOnly A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastWhat Train Do I Need: Italo or TrenItalia? Frecciarossa, InterCity, or Regionale?Let's be honest, catching a train can be confusing, especially for those of us who aren't accustomed to public transportation. In this episode we explain the difference between Italy's two major train operators and what they offer. Plus, we answer common questions like "Do I need to validate my ticket?" and "What is validating a ticket?"
Want to support our podcast? You can use our links to book your train trip.
*Links with an asterisk are affiliate links. By using our affiliate link to book hotels you help our podcast! We get...2024-09-041h 02Only A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastHow To Have The Perfect Flight: Part 2Picking up where we left off, this episode gets into the meat of the matter—the flight itself. Boiled down, it can be summed up as: moisturize, bring noise-cancelling headphones, moisturize, bring a change of clothes, and make sure your skin stays hydrated and moisturized.
We also talk about finding the perfect seat on any airplane. To do this, we use SeatGuru. It's often easier to simply search on Google the carrier and plane type, such as "Air France Boeing 777 SeatGuru" and it will direct you to the search result page you need.
For noise-cancelling he...2024-08-2848 minOnly A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastHow To Have The Perfect Flight: Part 1In recent years, the flight has somehow become the worst part of any trip. It's not just the delays and cancellations, but the baggage fees, the seat selection fees if you'd like to do something crazy like sit next to the people you're traveling with, and even the tiny, narrow seats. In this episode (and the next one) we delve into how to prepare for a flight and how to maximize (or minimize) your time in an airport.
Because we completely forgot, we also briefly touch on using your credit card travel portal (like Capital One Travel...2024-08-2841 minOnly A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastWhen To Book: Trains and BusesWhat to do if you miss your train? When should you book your train trip? Where do you get bus tickets? In this episode we will answer all of those questions, talk about best practices for booking train and bus journeys, and give you to scoop on where to find help at the station; it’s not always where you think.
*Links with an asterisk are affiliate links. By using our affiliate link to book hotels you help our podcast! We get a kickback from the company and you will not be charged extra.
When look...2024-08-2158 minOnly A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastWhen To Book: Hotels and FlightsShould you really book a flight 6 months out? And when's the best time to book a hotel room? In this rambling episode, we talk about the best practices for booking a flights and hotels while also taking you on a number of [hopefully] engaging tangents.
*Links with an asterisk are affiliate links. By using our affiliate link to book hotels you help our podcast! We get a kickback from the company and you will not be charged extra.
When looking for hotels, we usually cross-reference Booking*, Expedia*, Priceline, and Agoda...2024-08-211h 02Only A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastWhy AirBnB Is A Problem In Italy And Where You Can Stay InsteadIn this episode, we address some of the issues that Italians (and everyone who lives in a tourist-friendly town) have with AirBnb and why they've become the poster child for negative tourism.
However, hope is not lost! We also discuss a list of alternative types of stays in Italy that might not be available in other countries, such as convents, or farmstays.
If you're thinking about booking something for Italy, we'd love it if you could use our Booking.com affiliate link. There's no extra cost to you, and it supports the podcast!
2024-08-1458 minOnly A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastVenice's Visitor Fee Has Ended, But Will It Affect Your Trip Next Year?Welcome back to a Special Episode where we revisit the Venice tourist tax (a 5 euro tax for almost anyone entering Venice) that we first covered in a previous episode titled "Italy isn't breaking up with you, she's just setting boundaries".
While the fee may have ended for 2024, this episode covers what Venice learned from the experiment, how it affected tourism, and what they're planning on doing next year.
We also discuss other changes Venice has made to their tourism industry since the start of summer.
If you're planning a trip...2024-08-1249 minOnly A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastHow Do Italian Hotels Earn Their Stars?Almost every hotel in Italy has some amount of stars, 1-5. On first glance, this can look straightforward, however, dig a little deeper, and you might find that the hotel you want isn't necessarily the one with the most stars.
More than that, we also dig a little deeper into what to expect from a hotel in Italy, whether it's the elevator, the quality of the room, or even the breakfast spread.
If you're thinking about booking something for Italy, we'd love it if you could use our Booking.com affiliate link...2024-08-071h 07Only A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastThe History of FerragostoHorse racing, kidnapping, and trips to the sea; this is the history of Ferragosto. Since 18 BCE Italians have celebrated this holiday whose origins are dubious at best.2024-07-3138 minOnly A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastWhy does Italy shut down in August?Since ancient Roman times people have celebrated a holiday called Ferragosto. What does that mean for modern Italians and tourists? Empty cities, closed shops, and crowded beaches. We'll tell you all you need to know for your August vacation in Italy.
As always, thank you for listening! If you have any questions, send us a message on Instagram (@only_a_bag), or contact us through our website (onlyabag.com)! 2024-07-3129 minOnly A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastItalian Cocktail Culture—Food Month Special EpisodeIn this episode Darcy guides us (mainly Nathaniel) on the brief history of some of Italy's more famous cocktails like the Aperol spritz, the Campari and soda, and the Negroni.
We also discuss the lack of beer culture, and the blooming cocktail culture that expands beyond the use of Campari and Aperol.
As always, thank you for listening! If you have any questions, please leave a comment (on Spotify), send us a message on Instagram (@only_a_bag), or send us a message through our website (onlyabag.com)! 2024-07-2449 minOnly A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastCafé Culture or Why You Have To Eat Your Food in a Specific Order—Food MonthDo you sit at a table and then order, or order first and then sit at a table? What about that age-old rule of no cappuccinos after 11am? And have you ever been curious as to why Italians eat their meals in a specific order, or why they often use the excuse of "I just took a coffee" to decline eating anything else?
This episode has you covered! We cover digestion, café/bar culture, and even a few drinks you can expect to see on the menu.
If you enjoyed today's episode, w...2024-07-2458 minOnly A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastDo as the Italians Do— Food MonthDo you want to know how to "act Italian" at restaurants? What to avoid (such as eating and walking around)? How about the dos and don'ts of pizza? Well, this episode has you covered with all of that and so much more!
If you enjoyed the episode, we'd love it if you were to rate us, follow, subscribe, comment, etc. It means the world to us and keeps us going!
If there's anything you'd like us to cover specifically, you can find us at onlyabag.com or on instagram...2024-07-171h 01Only A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastNavigating the Italian Menu— Food MonthDo you need to order a primi and secondi? Why can't you order pizza for lunch? What's the coperta? Navigating the way an Italian menu is set up can complicated—we're here to help!
Thank you all so much for listening, we really appreciate
it! If there's anything you'd like us to cover, please reach out on www.onlyabag.com.
And if you'd like to compliment Darcy on our brand-new cover, you can find her at darcymeltonfineart.com or @darcymeltonfineart on Instagram!
2024-07-121h 12Only A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastNew Cover!Thanks for listening to this mini-sode! A full-length episode will be out on Friday, and next week we will return to our normally-scheduled Wednesday episodes. We had intended to be back in full-force today, but we returned from the States an unintentional day late due to canceled flights, so the jet lag is still hitting hard.
This month will focus on restaurant etiquette, how to order, what's okay and not okay to do, and even what kinds of drinks to expect at every Italian bar.
As always, thank you all so much...2024-07-1111 minOnly A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastSalerno: The Doorway to the Amalfi Coast — Beach MonthHeaded to the Amalfi Coast? How do you even get there? What is the Amalfi Coast? How many towns are there, and what is the difference between the Sorrentinian Coast and the Amalfi Coast?
This, and so much more is covered in today's episode!
As always, thank you all so much for listening! If you liked the episode, we would love it if you followed us wherever you listen to podcasts!
If you have any questions, you can find us at onlyabag.com.2024-06-261h 16Only A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastMore Than Naples: Capri, Ischia, and Procida — Beach MonthWhile visiting Naples could easily take a week by itself, there's so much more to the area than the city. Just off the coast you can find the resort island of Capri, the thermal springs island of Ischia, and the "blue collar" island of Procida.
How to get there? What to see? And when did these islands first host people? These questions and more are answered in today's episode!
As always, thank you all so much for listening!2024-06-191h 05Only A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastDos and Don'ts of the Beaches in Italy - Beach MonthDoes Italy have nude beaches? Can you spend the night on the beach? What's the deal with all of those umbrellas that look the same?
We answer all of those questions and so much more in this episode!
As always, thank you so much for listening! 2024-06-121h 09Only A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastWhere To Swim Among Roman Ruins - Beach MonthPalazzi under the sea, a cursed island, and the queen's bath, you can swim there and we'll tell you how. While the Roman Empire once spanned countries and coastlines, very few ruins are near the shoreline in Italy. In this episode, we delve into three locations where you can actually swim among Roman ruins (or places to have a chill beach day), while also offering a hefty dose of history.
If you liked this episode, or the podcast, we would love it if you could follow us!
As always, thank you for listening! 2024-06-051h 11Only A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastSpecial Episode: Italy Isn't Breaking Up With You; She's Just Setting BoundariesDoes Italy really hate tourists?
Does the new €5 fee at Venice affect you? Why are people protesting against it?
What about all these new rules like no flip-flops in Cinque Terre, or no swimsuit in Sorrento?
In this special episode, we dive into all the things that people are saying (and writing) about Italy, in order to help put those fears at ease!
As always, thank you for listening!
2024-06-031h 20Only A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastNaples: Not Just PompeiiWhile many people go to Pompeii while visiting Naples (and for good reason) there's so much more! In this episode we briefly look at Pompeii, Herculaneum, Pozzuoli (the Campi Flegrei), and lead into our next episode where we will talk about the islands around Naples and where to swim among Roman ruins.
Thank you all so much for listening!
If you have any comments or feedback, you can find us at onlyabag.com. 2024-05-2955 minOnly A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastNaples: Language, Culture, and the Suspended CoffeeWelcome back for Part 3 of 3!
I hope we don't sound too tired—what began as a quick 45-minute episode ended up as a two-hour megalith!
In this episode, we discuss the culture of Naples, what those hand gestures might mean, and why Italians often say "I can't understand anyone from Naples."
If you have any questions, or anything you'd like us to make an episode on, please let us know at onlyabag.com. 2024-05-2232 minOnly A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastNaples: The Food! Oh, Madonna, the Food!Welcome back to Part 2 of 3!
In this episode, we take a look at some classic Napolitano dishes—some of them might sound very familiar to you, such as pizza! Or, the ever popular, spaghetti with olive oil and garlic.
If there's anything you'd like us to cover, or any other questions you might have, please let us know! You can find us at onlyabag.com.2024-05-2258 minOnly A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastNaples: A Diamond in the RoughWelcome back!
We're sorry we were gone for so long. Life jumped out at us in so many ways, and while we were in the States visiting, we just couldn't seem to find the [quiet] time to sit down and record a few episodes.
However, now that we're back, we're planning on releasing a new episode every week on Wednesday.
In this episode, Part 1 of 3, we start talking about Naples. Specifically, the history! While it's not quite as full of battles, giant buildings, and togas as Rome, the city of Naples is even...2024-05-2250 minOnly A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastRome Condensed: Everything You Need to Know Before GoingIf you asked a friend, "In one hour, tell me everything that's important about visiting Rome," this would be pretty close to their response.
If you'd like to support the podcast, one great way to do so is to sign up for Trusted Housesitters through our affiliate link here. Not sure what house sitting is? Well, we'd love to be the ones to introduce you to the best way to travel through the articles here, or our podcast episodes here.
Thank you all so much for listening!2023-10-141h 20Only A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastGoing South 3: People, Transportation, and WitchcraftIn this episode we delve into the people using broad generalizations, what kind of transportation to expect (or not expect), why the south feels so chaotic, what's with all the 1980s apartment buildings, and did we say "witchcraft"? Why yes, we did.
If you'd like to support the podcast, one great way to do so is to sign up for Trusted Housesitters through our affiliate link here. Not sure what house sitting is? Well, we'd love to be the ones to introduce you to the best way to travel through the articles here, or our podcas...2023-10-021h 11Only A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastGoing South 2: Coffee, Food, and the Mediterranean DietIn this second episode we cover the differences in coffee (shorter and punchier), food (dry pasta is southern), and the Mediterranean Diet. As well as a whole slew of other sidetracks.
If you'd like to support the podcast, one great way to do so is to sign up for Trusted Housesitters through our affiliate link here. Not sure what house sitting is? Well, we'd love to be the ones to introduce you to the best way to travel through the articles here, or our podcast episodes here.
Thank you all so much for...2023-10-021h 08Only A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastGoing South: What To Expect from Southern ItalyThis is going to be a two-part episode, with this as part one: a rambling history and some general ideas of what to expect. The next episode will [hopefully] focus more on concrete expectations!
To support Only A Bag, you can sign up for one of the travel-oriented credit cards below. None of them have a yearly fee, which is one of the reasons we like them so much. (To learn more about the cards, you can either listen to the 3rd episode in the series, or search online for reviews about the card.) If you're not...2023-09-2752 minOnly A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastSpecial Finance Episode 2: Checking Accounts and Debit CardsChecking accounts, debit cards, and how to access your money abroad without paying extraordinary fees.
We finally purchased a second microphone, so this special episode mini-series might sound a little uneven while we work ou the kinks. If it sounds especially atrocious on your headphones/phone/speakers, please let us know!
To support Only A Bag, you can sign up for one of the travel-oriented credit cards below. None of them have a yearly fee, which is one of the reasons we like them so much. (To learn more about the cards...2023-09-1524 minOnly A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastSpecial Finance Episode 3: Credit Cards and Reward ProgramsPoints, Miles, Cash Back: Which is best for you? And do you really need a credit card?
We finally purchased a second microphone, so this special episode mini-series might sound a little uneven while we work ou the kinks. If it sounds especially atrocious on your headphones/phone/speakers, please let us know!
To support Only A Bag, you can sign up for one of the travel-oriented credit cards below. None of them have a yearly fee, which is one of the reasons we like them so much. (To learn more about...2023-09-1558 minOnly A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastSpecial Finance Episode 1: What to do Before You Leave HomeHow to convert currency, let your bank know you're traveling, and everything else you need to know before you hit the road!
We finally purchased a second microphone, so this special episode mini-series might sound a little uneven while we work out the kinks. If it sounds especially atrocious in your headphones/phone/speakers, please let us know!
To support Only A Bag, you can sign up for one of the travel-oriented credit cards below. None of them have a yearly fee, which is one of the reasons we like them so...2023-09-1528 minOnly A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastPerugia: Our Favorite Restaurants, Traditional Dishes And Best Streets For Great FoodPerugia is a city of great food, and an abundance of it. It's almost impossible to find a bad restaurant, but just in case, we offer some of our favorite restaurant—especially for those of you who are getting tired of Italian food.
If you'd like to support the podcast, one great way to do so is to sign up for Trusted Housesitters through our affiliate link here. Not sure what house sitting is? Well, we'd love to be the ones to introduce you to the best way to travel through the articles here, or our podcast episodes here.
An...2023-09-0744 minOnly A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastPerugia: A Rambling History and a Warning on Getting TherePerugia, a relatively unknown city in the north; a just-as-beautiful relative of Tuscany at a fraction of the price.
(At some point Nathaniel mistakenly said Montepulciano is in Umbria, when it is in fact in Tuscany, so, sommelier classes aren't going so well.)
As always, if you'd like to support us, you can do so by using this link to sign up for Trusted Housesitters!
We also mentioned we'd look for a link to a tour that we've heard of and trust, and this is one that has been operating since we were...2023-08-301h 14Only A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastCinque Terre: The Towns, The Food, The Trails, and How to Get ThereThe larger-than-life stretch of towns along the Ligurian Coast with their pastel homes and craggy coves have inspired tourists for years. In this episode, we delve into what those towns are, what sets the apart, how to get there, how to walk between them, and some of our favorite food.
To support us, consider signing up for Trusted Housesitters through our affiliate link—we'd deeply appreciate it!
And for those of you who want to grab a pair of hiking shoes (or any other last-minute gear purchases), consider checking out Moosejaw with ou...2023-08-211h 12Only A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastSiena: The Big, Giant Episode on Everything to Do, See, and EatWhile the Palio and the Duomo are two of Siena's major draws, they're not the only reason to visit this hilltop town.
In this episode we cover getting there, the history of the Palio, why the Duomo is so interestingly built, and why you should try panforte and cantucci. Plus, some of the best day trips!
To support us, you can use this Trainline link to buy your bus and train tickets (for anywhere, to just Italy!) or our Tiqets link to purchase things like entry to the Duomo (only 9€!).
As...2023-08-151h 29Only A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastFlorence: 17 Best Day Trips from FlorenceUsing Florence as a home-base for your Italy trip? Here are the top 17 places to visit in one-day from Florence. We're talking about places from 40 minutes one-way on the fast train to Bologna to 3 hours, for those bucket-list locations like Venice and Cinque Terre.
If you'd like to support us, you can do so by purchasing your next train or bus trip through Trainline, an easy-to-use aggregate of train and bus fares. It's the way we search for and buy our tickets! You can find our affiliate link by clicking here. It won't cost y...2023-08-071h 11Only A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastFlorence: Best Sandwich Shop in Florence — Plus Where to Find the Best Pastries, Gelato, Wine, and Traditional FoodsSandwiches, pastries, gelato, wine to-go, and what is lampredotto? We've got you covered with a list of our favorite food in Florence.
If you prefer reading, you can find our review of La Strega Nocciola, our current favorite gelateria in Florence, here!
As always, thank you for listening!
If you'd like to support us, you can do with by purchasing your next train trip through Trainline, an easy-to-use aggregate of train and bus fares. You can find our affiliate link by clicking here!
And if...2023-08-021h 13Only A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastFlorence: Visiting Galleries, Museums, and Shopping AlternativesHello and welcome back!
In this episode we are back to talking about Florence!
Headed to Florence but short on time? We've got you covered with tips on what to see in Florence, what to skip, what's free in Florence, and what's worth the price.
While we mentioned in episode 3, Florence can be a day trip, an ideal trip to Florence could be 4-6 days. Enough time to see the galleries, catch a few sunsets from the rose garden at the Piazzale Michelangelo, and stroll the Ponte Vecchio.
If you want to support the...2023-07-241h 06Only A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastSpecial Episode - Italian HeatwaveBenvenuti a La Settimana Infernale, or Week of Hell, named for the intense heatwave lazily moving across southern Europe. Here's an update on what's happening in Rome, what to do if you're visiting during the anticyclone causing the heatwave, and what is an anticyclone? 2023-07-211h 02Only A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastFlorence: Getting There, Getting Around, and the Briefest of HistoriesHello, hello! Welcome back to Episode 3 of Season 2.
In this episode, we're talking about Florence. Specifically, we are taking about how to get there (planes, trains, and automobiles (buses)), and how to get around.
We're also offering a very brief history. Not necessarily of Florence, but of Italy as a whole, and how the local dialect of Florence ended up as Italy's national language.
In this episode, we mentioned Trainline, a way of purchasing train and bus tickets in a surprisingly easy way. Here's our affiliate link...2023-07-1744 minOnly A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastRome: Staying Cool [at the beach] and Day TripsHello and welcome back to Episode 2!
Before we get to talking about the North, Florence specifically, we wanted to very briefly go over a few points of interest about Rome that we haven't previously mentioned. In particular, we wanted to talk about how to stay cool on those heat-wave days that send Rome past the triple digits, and which day trips are feasible (and which aren't).
In this episode, we mention a few parks:
Villa Borghese (Near Flaminio)
Piazza Vittorio Emmanuele (Near Termini)
...2023-07-0856 minOnly A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastNorthern Italy vs. Southern ItalyHello and welcome back!
We apologize for having been gone for so long. While Only A Bag has always been on our minds, we couldn't figure out the time to sit down and finally record another episode.
And then we found the time!
Here's episode one of Season 2.
We lightly delve into "northern" Italy vs "southern" Italy, and how it might affect your trip to Italy.
At one point, we mentioned a bakery in Siena, which is here: https://goo.gl/maps/Js4UEQfURAr1JEr5A2023-07-021h 00
Only A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastOur Favorite House Sitting Websites (And Why) to Get You StartedWelcome back!
(If you prefer to read the podcast as an article, you can find it here!)
Now that you've learned all you can about getting started with house sitting, we thought we could share our favorite house sitting websites. These might not be the best, but these are the ones we've had the most luck with, or the most pleasant interactions with homeowners through.
Like always, we hope you enjoy!
Nathaniel and Darcy
Here are some links to the mentioned websites! If you use an affiliate link, we'll m...2022-11-0730 minOnly A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastLet's Talk About the "House" in House SitWelcome back to another episode of our housesitting series!
If you prefer to read our advice, you can find the article on our website!
In this episode, we talk about the "house." For us, this means cleaning the house when we leave, how to treat the house when we're there, and what to do in the absolute certainty that you break something.
We hope you enjoy!
Want to jump right into house sitting? Here are some links to our favorite websites!
Trusted House Sitters: Affiliate Link | Non-Affiliate Link
2022-10-2235 minOnly A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastGetting Your First House SitWelcome back!
If you prefer to read our advice, you can find the article on our website!
Now that we've talked about setting up your profile for various house sitting websites, in this episode we discuss our tips on how to get your first sit!
We hope you enjoy!
Want to jump right into house sitting? Here are some links to our favorite websites!
Trusted House Sitters: Affiliate Link | Non-Affiliate Link
Nomador: Non-Affiliate Link
MindMyHouse: Non-Affiliate Link
House Sitters UK...2022-10-0628 minOnly A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastHouse Sitting: Making Your Profile(For the article version, click here. And as always, we love feedback about our website!
Welcome back!
In this episode of House Sitting: Miniseries, Darcy and I discuss setting up your profile, what to include and what to leave out, and sending that first message!
We hope you enjoy!
Nathaniel and Darcy
Want to jump right into house sitting? Here are some links to our favorite websites!
Trusted House Sitters: Affiliate Link | Non-Affiliate Link
Nomador: Non-Affiliate Link
M...2022-09-2418 minOnly A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastIntroduction To House Sitting(For the article version, click here.)
Hello and welcome back!
In previous episodes, you might have heard us mention "house sitting." Well, in this episode, we discuss our introduction to house sitting, as well as some of the websites we like to use.
In the beginning of the episode, we cover some "housekeeping" items, such as our new website, Instagram page, and our new use of affiliate links which will be disclosed. We will also use non-affiliate links in the descriptions of our podcast alongside affiliate links, in case you don't trust affiliate l...2022-09-1531 minOnly A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastRome: Emergency Numbers, Transportation Tips, and the Kitchen SinkHello all, and welcome to our "Kitchen Sink" episode for Rome.
There were so many little things we wanted to mention in the last few podcasts that either didn't fit, or we weren't factually sure on. So we added them into one large podcast. A "just in case" type of thing.
Some of it is also updates to prices or practices as we've experienced them
We also have a website! www.onlyabag.com. We will post the blog version of podcasts here as well as any and all other information we think is...2022-07-2958 min
Only A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastExploring the Used Clothing Markets in RomeWelcome back to another episode of the Rome series!
In this episode we discuss how to navigate the used clothing markets of Italy, and the ones we like to frequent.
We hope you enjoy!
If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch.
Towards the end we mentioned a group of vintage stores in the Monti neighborhood which are:
Pifebo Vintage Shop
Flamingo Vintage Shop Roma
Humana Vintage Roma
King Size Vintage
Pulp Vintage
...2022-07-071h 17Only A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastHow to find the best gelato and our favorite gelaterie in RomeWelcome back after our impromptu 6 month break!
To get things started, we figured we should round out the last of the food episodes talking about the thing we love best: gelato. Not only do we discuss the parts of a gelato cone, we discuss things to look for when hunting for the best gelateria in any city.
At the end, we mentioned our list of our all-time favorite gelaterie in Rome, and here it is! Some of these gelateria have multiple locations, we list the ones we visited. If you want to mak...2022-06-011h 02Only A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastCoffee and Drink culture in RomeWhat's the best way to order a coffee in Rome?
Do you sit down and wait for someone to come over? Or go to the bar?
What is a "normal coffee?"
What are those red drinks everyone is drinking around 5 o'clock?
Are the water fountains in Rome potable?
In this episode Darcy and I take a look into coffee and drink culture in Rome.
As always, I hope you enjoy!
Nathaniel: @MellorNathaniel
Darcy: @not_mr_darcy
2021-11-0956 minOnly A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastHow to eat at a restaurant in RomeEveryone tells us where to eat in Rome. Where to find the best cacio e pepe or pizza. Even Google Maps gives advice.
So we wanted to tell you all how to eat at restaurants and what to expect when you do.
As always, I hope you enjoy!
Nathaniel on Twitter: @MellorNathaniel
Darcy on Twitter: @not_mr_darcy
Update July 2022: We finally have a website! It's a bit light on the content as we are writing articles as quickly as possible, but we'd love for you...2021-11-0135 minOnly A Bag - An Italy Travel Podcast[Street]Food - Food Markets - Buying Groceries in RomeWelcome back to our episode on food! We try to lay the groundwork for any trip you might take to Rome by discussing street food, food markets, groceries, the customs around food, and what to do if you have allergies.
Darcy was coming off a bit of a cold, so I did a heavy portion of the talking, sorry about that!
We hope you all enjoy!
Update July 2022: We finally have a website! It's a bit light on the content as we are writing articles as quickly as possible, but we'd love for...2021-10-271h 15Only A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastGetting to Rome/Getting around RomeHello everyone!
We are so sorry for our long absence. We moved houses again, lost internet, and real life got in the way. We are now back!
In this episode we talk about getting to Rome by flying there, getting from the airport to the city, and getting around Rome once you're there.
I also mentioned a website for cheap student flights which is called www.studentuniverse.com.
Some of my talking might be quick in this episode, and I do apologize! I realize I talk quickly when I'm excited about so...2021-10-1446 minOnly A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastRome: An IntroductionFor the next few episodes Darcy and I will be talking about Rome, since that's where we are currently!
Instead of talking about the normal sights and "to-do" lists, we thought we'd talk about some of the quieter sides of life. Like gelato, used clothing markets, and finding good food!
I hope you enjoy!
Update July 2022: We finally have a website! It's a bit light on the content as we are writing articles as quickly as possible, but we'd love for you to check it out and send us any co...2021-08-2207 minOnly A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastTraveling with a Partner: Is it worth it?In this episode I invited my travel partner, Darcy, to talk with me about traveling together. We discuss the pros and cons, costs, and how it's important to sometimes take some time apart.
I hop you enjoy!
Update July 2022: We finally have a website! It's a bit light on the content as we are writing articles as quickly as possible, but we'd love for you to check it out and send us any comments! www.onlyabag.com2021-07-2032 minOnly A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastTraveling Alone: Best decision you've ever made or a pit of loneliness?Possibly the greatest debate while traveling is whether or not to go alone. For some, it's an eye-opening experience, a chance to connect with themselves and learn about the person they really are without distractions. For others, it's a deeply lonely experience that reinforces how far out of their comfort zone they are.
In this episode, I discuss having a new normal, changing your perspective, and learning how to travel alone.
I hope you enjoy!
Update July 2022: We finally have a website! It's a bit light on the content as w...2021-07-1823 minOnly A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastWhat do you need before you hit the road? Passports, visas, and more!In this episode I cover things you will need before you hit the road. This isn't about packing or any gadgets, but the bare basics such as a passport, visa, vaccines, travel insurance, and more.
I hope you enjoy!
Update July 2022: We finally have a website! It's a bit light on the content as we are writing articles as quickly as possible, but we'd love for you to check it out and send us any comments! www.onlyabag.com2021-07-0528 minOnly A Bag - An Italy Travel PodcastAn introduction to One Bag, Ethical Traveling, and More!Welcome to Only a Bag, a travel podcast!
Since this podcast will weave certain topics in and out of every episode, I thought it would make sense to give a brief overview of those topics: One bag, ethical traveling, long-term traveling, and housesitting.
I will go into more depth in the following episodes.
If you have anything you'd like to hear me talk about, please let me know!
Thanks for listening,
Nathaniel
Update July 2022: We finally have a website! It's a bit light on...2021-06-1021 min