Venice, Pisa, Lucca, Cinque Terre, & Tuscany with Mom and Dad

Not every trip needs to be a full-on getaway. Some of my favorite memories this summer have come from the smaller, quieter detours and days spent in nearby towns or weekend escapes that broke up the routine and gave me a different view of Italy.

A trip that started with pierogis and piano ended with powerful reminders of history and home. Between museums, music, and memories, Poland became the most meaningful stop of my summer.

A dreamy long weekend full of sunshine, Greek food, and a very emotional journey through Dead Poets Society. Corfu gave me exactly what I didn’t know I needed.

Marrakech was a whirlwind of mint tea, mountain hikes, rooftop dinners, camel rides, and desert sunsets. Morocco was vibrant, overwhelming in the best way, and full of moments I’ll never forget.

Sardinia gave us a rocky start but the most peaceful finish. From sunburns and mermaid pool moments to a dreamy boat day along the coast, it was the kind of weekend that reminded me how good it feels to slow down.

What started with a train strike turned into one of the most random (and iconic) weekends yet with my hometown friend Tyler. Duomo views, rooftop tiramisu, a surprise street festival with feathered hats, and the Monaco Grand Prix from a pub around the corner. Milan, you were weird and wonderful.

Two days in Tuscany, two vineyards, and maybe one future Italian husband? From violet spritzes in Piazza del Campo to wine tasting in San Gimignano, Siena served romance, sunshine, and just the right amount of chaos.

Aperol spritzes, tennis matches, rooftop drinks, and one unexpected plunge into a player pool… Rome was the perfect first stop. A city I’ve seen before, but never quite like this.