It’s been too many years since my last travels to Europe. Italy has always been on Dave’s travel bucket list, and we are really looking forward to the next few weeks in Italy. Naturally, we’re making this a minimalist travel experience, packing light, understanding that we will have to do some laundry on such a long trip.
We are staying in lovely hotels, have only committed to a few “organized” tours and we’re planning to just relax and wing it on this trip. We are looking forward to just enjoying each other and whatever joy each day brings us.
So, you won’t be hearing much from The Minimalist Boomer over the next few weeks, but I’ll share our experiences with you when we return. So until then… Keep living your best life.
Preparing for the Trip
Before embarking on any journey, it’s important to plan and prepare. We believe in traveling light and only bringing the essentials. Our carry-on luggage can fit everything we need without weighing us down. We just pack versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched, reducing the need for excessive luggage.
To further minimize our travel load, we take advantage of digital copies of important documents like our boarding passes and travel itinerary. This not only saves space but also reduces the risk of losing important papers. I have all our travel apps downloaded and ready to go on my phone. The important reservations, planes, trains, hotels, airport transfers, hard to book private tours, are all set. We’re ready!
Exploring Italy’s Hidden Gems
Italy is a country full of famous landmarks like the Colosseum in Rome, the museums in Florence, and the canals of Venice, but as a minimalist traveler, this time, I wanted to delve deeper and discover the hidden gems that are often overlooked. We researched and developed a list of off-the-beaten-path destinations, charming local markets, and lesser-known neighborhoods to explore. Our son, Ryan, https://www.ryrob.com/ who travels extensively, also shared his Google maps with us where all of his favorite spots are pinned so that we may find them easily.
“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.” – Unknown
By venturing off the tourist trail, we will have the opportunity to connect with locals, embrace the true Italian culture, and create unique memories. It’s these authentic experiences that make a trip truly special.
Embracing Slow Travel
On the trip, our goal is to slow down and savor every moment. Rather than rushing from one tourist attraction to another, we plan to embrace slow travel and immerse ourselves in the local lifestyle. We will take leisurely strolls through quaint Italian streets, stopping at cozy cafes to enjoy a cup of espresso or a gelato.
By choosing a slower pace, we’ll have more time to appreciate the small details: the vibrant colors of a Tuscan sunset, the sound of church bells echoing through narrow alleyways, and the taste of freshly baked pastries from a local bakery. It’s these simple pleasures that make travel more meaningful.
“Two roads diverged in a wood and I, I took the one less traveled by. And that has made all the difference.” – Robert Frost
As we prepare ourselves for this incredible journey, we thank God for this incredible opportunity. Italy, with its rich history, captivating landscapes, beautiful churches, and warm people, is the perfect destination for boomers like us. By immersing ourselves in the authentic Italian experience, I know this trip will be one for the books.
So, if you’re a fellow minimalist boomer dreaming of exploring the world, I encourage you to take the plunge and embark on your own adventure.
Remember, it’s not about the possessions we accumulate, but the memories we create that really enrich our lives. Buon viaggio!
“You have to taste a culture to understand it.” – Deborah Cater
