• City of Cascia from the top
    Europe,  Italy,  Photo Summaries

    My Miracle at St. Rita’s Basilica

    High in the mountains of Cascia, Umbria, a beautiful sanctuary provides a peaceful place of prayer and contemplation to followers of the patron saint of impossible cases, Saint Rita. The sanctuary is a 3-hour bus ride from the center of Rome. The catch? Staples There is only one bus per day that takes you directly to the sanctuary and only one that makes the trip back to Rome. THAT’S IT.   The total trip is 3 hours long but makes 3 stops along the way, only to change buses warning! there are no bathroom breaks. Once in Cascia, you have 5 hours to explore as the return bus picks everyone up promptly at 3:30PM in the exact place…

  • citta alta venetian walls city in distance
    Europe,  Italy,  Photo Summaries

    Citta Alta: Bergamo’s Best Kept Secret

    Tucked away at the foot of the Alps, bordering Switzerland, Milan and a mere hour drive to Lake Como, you will find the small but beautiful city of Bergamo. Recently named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017, Bergamo is one of the most interesting, yet underrated cities in all of Italy. Among the many things to see and do in this historic city, my absolute favorite place to visit is a hidden gem called Citta Alta. Ironically, the only “hidden” thing about this city is that, for the most part, it is devoid of tourists – especially in comparison to the amount of people that swarm the main cities you…

  • trento italy mountains scenic view
    Italy,  Travel,  Travel Guides

    A Travel Guide to Trento, Italy: The Most Beautiful City You’ve Never Heard Of

    Discovering Trento: Italy’s Most Beautiful Secret City A TRAVEL GUIDE Have you ever heard of Trento? Before making my way to this breathtaking little city in Italy, I hadn’t either. While I have marveled at the beauty of other Italian cities like Citta Alta and Cascia, visiting Trento was an experience on a whole new level. The city is packed with activities for the likes of every traveler, whether you’re an adventure seeker or simply want to relax and take in the beauty all around. As a travel writer and curious explorer, I am often eager to share my experiences of places I have been to in the hopes of…

  • venice, italy at sunset canal water buildings
    Europe,  Italy,  Travel Tips

    My Suitcase Was Stolen: How I Got $700 Insurance Reimbursement From Trenitalia

    My travel adventures as a solo backpacker ironically started after my suitcase was stolen off of a train in Italy during the second week of my very first 3-month solo trip around Europe.  My stolen suitcase fiasco was a combination of trusting the train conductors to keep my stuff safe and really, just being too trusting in general/not knowing better. However, as common as these stories are, it definitely doesn’t make them any less traumatic as they are happening. For many people, one of the hardest things to do when something bad happens and you’re on your own is think clearly. This is especially true when it’s something you never…

  • Thailand water trees house
    Spring Break,  Travel,  Travel Planning

    2019 Spring Break Series: Destinations for Explorers

    We have officially entered the amazing month of March, which can only mean one thing: it’s Spring Break season! In this 3-part series, I will focus on the different types of Spring Break trips and destinations anyone can enjoy this time of year. Whether you are a fearless solo traveler, an adventurous explorer or the Spring Break partier – each post will include in depth travel information, amazing deals, packing guides and all the destination inspo in the world.  This page contains affiliate links meaning Em Around the World may receive a small commission on any purchase you make at no extra cost to you. This helps me run the site…