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COVID Travel Diaries: 3 days in Italy, Rome

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Italy Rome for 3 days.

Italy is and has always been a beautiful country to visit. There are so many places to view, such as Florence, Rome, Milan, Bologna and many more places to experience and fall in love with. Despite the scares of travelling during COVID19. I was lucky to have a quick escape and travel to Italy, Rome last year (2020). This of course was all for a quick weekend birthday get away with Tiaontour hosted trip – girlswrldtour. And it was fabulous!!!

I agreed to go to Italy because it was one of the countries on the travel corridors list, which at the time simply meant you wouldn’t have to quarantine when you were there and when you returned to the UK……

Rome is the capital city and a special commune of Italy, it has so much character and beauty including sites such as the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, and how can I forget the FOOD! Pizza, Pasta and more Pizza! It was a very much needed holiday after several countries that had been planned where cancelled last year (Jamaica and Jordan) due to the COVID situation.

Can you stay in Rome, Italy for 3 days?

The simple answer is yes. (par the lockdown/pandemic situation) You can easily stay and see Rome, Italy in 3 days. Your time will of course be tight, but there is a lot to see, and if you carry on reading, you will find out what I got up too. Of course, you may not be able to do everything I did, but you can certainly pick and choose what you would like to do – when COVID permits!

Day one of 3 in Rome Italy… Arrival

I arrived in Rome in the late evening, there was some delays with the trains. Due to COVID, trains were not running like they usually do. I arrived at the Giolli Nazionale Hotel. The hotel is very central to the main tourists sites!

The idea was to freshen up and head out to Zuma Restaurant. Instead, I was surprised by Tia and the girls with balloons and a Birthday sing-song! Awwwww! It was great! I wasn’t expecting a birthday surprise and just didn’t know how to react!

3 in Rome Italy

After this we freshened up and as requested dressed in our earth tone** outfits and headed out to the lovely Japanese restaurant.

The dinner was lovely. I had the maiale iberico con yuzu e salsa al tartufo which was absolutely spectacular. We spent time getting to know each other with some dining games led by Channmariee and then headed back to the hotel for a night of rest.

Please note: Some countries are strict on the type of facemasks you use when travelling to their country. For Italy, it was required to wear a medical facemask.

Day two of 3 in Rome Italy… Saturnia Hot Springs

3 days in Italy Rome

It was an early start! As we were heading to the famous Saturnia Hot Springs. The Saturnia Hot Springs is a great way to get away from Rome for a day and explore Tuscany and the Maremma. We left Rome just after 6 am and arrived there just after 10 am.

You would have thought that the place would have been empty! But no! It was completely packed! I still managed to get a few nice pictures – I think so anyway! We spent a few hours at the hot springs, grabbed some lunch in Maremma and headed back to Rome for a cooking class!!

Please note: The Saturina Hot Springs is free entry and is totally worth going for the experience.

This was my very first ever cooking class and it was great! It took us a while to get there! We found the class on Airbnb experiences. The class started with some wine tasting (both red and white). We then proceeded to make some pasta from the stretch. I was quite impressed with how quick and easy it was to make – it just needed a lot of kneeling! I added a tomato-based sauce to my pasta and finished that with some cheese and white wine… Buon appetito!

The night was supposed to end with a party (girls night in) to celebrate my birthday! But we were of course shattered from the very early rise and was summoned to my bed!

Day three of 3 in Rome, Italy… Birthday!

Today was the birthday girls birthday! yeah me! so I was mega excited! It required another early start (7.30 AM)!! to explore the famous sites of Rome, Italy! We had a quick bite to eat for breakfast and then first headed to the Trevi Fountain. We were lucky to have stayed in a hotel that was located so central because the fountain was within walking distance!

Trevi Fountain

Then we headed out to the famous Colosseum to explore some more. Along the way, we continued to take the best shots. Check out some more shots below. We then headed back to the hotel to order an Uber for the Vatican City, which was an experience indeed. We arrived just before the mass service, which to my delight was delivered by the Pope himself. I must say this was lovely for me on my birthday!

Our final stop was grabbing some lunch at a local restaurant close to the Vatican City before heading back to the hotel and catching my flight!

Must things to do in Italy, Rome for 3 days:

  • Saturnia Hot Springs
  • Italian Cooking Class
  • Trevi Fountain
  • Colosseum
  • Vatican City
  • Spanish Steps
  • Pincio Hill

I always say that you must celebrate your birthday abroad! Lucky for me I was able to do so as I know many people are not able to do so! Hope you are able to save this post to at some point visit Rome, Italy!

In the meantime, have you been to Rome, Italy? How long were you there for and what did you get up too?

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How to Travel During a Pandemic

Travel during a pandemic….

It has certainly been a very weird travel year for all of us. Like many others, 2020 was a year that many people had plans. Plans that many were unable to meet. As a travel blogger, I had many plans to explore the world. I had plans to travel to Bulgaria (to ski, which I did!), Jamacia (first time to go to the Caribbean), Italy (birthday plans – which I did happen and I’m yet to write about), Nigeria (still waiting for the Nigerian embassy to open), and Jordan. I know I would have done many other days trips around Europe but sadly like you, and many others around the world I wasn’t able to travel and see the world as I would’ve hoped.

This year, I have to admit that I’m quite hesitant to travel the world during a pandemic. Not only is the UK in their third lockdown, but there also seems to be a general scare or ‘travel bashing’ if anyone is seen travelling. I mean have you seen the reality stars that have travelled to Dubai for work?!

Anyone travelling during a pandemic is getting it. Particularly those travelling from the UK! I get it. The UK is experiencing this quite badly, especially compared to other countries in the world. However, I do want us to be prepared to travel once we do leave the lockdown so I have written a few steps on what can help…

A new way of travelling….

Travel during a pandemic

I think it’s obvious to say that travelling during a pandemic will be extremely different from what we once knew travelling to be. If you managed to travel last year in 2020, you will already know some of the points I’m about to make. Heck! You may even have some points to share. If you do, please be kind enough to share with us all!

Check your government travel advisory

Before you even begin to start travelling and planning your trip, check the status of your government travel advisory, and follow its advice. I know many are still doing their own thing when it comes to travel, but be careful! Things are changing every second of the day and I literally mean it when I say every second! Even if the status of a country is deemed to be “safe to travel” doesn’t mean it can’t change in a second!

Depending on where you’re returning from, your government may require you to quarantine on arrival. Again it may not be the case now, but as things are changing so rapidly I wouldn’t say don’t think it can change! So, if you cannot run the risk of extra costs. I would suggest staying at home for now.

You will certainly need to consider taking a COVID test….

I think this is a given. While many of us are waiting to receive a vaccination. We must understand that taking a test is essential to travel not only for your safety but for others around the world. Travelling while testing positive can only cause more and more lockdowns and worsen the pandemic.

Getting yourself tested for some countries is essential before you travel. I have heard some people have been denied at the border due to not obeying laws. Take a test and provide the evidence so you know you can travel with peace of mind. In the UK it is fairly easy to find a testing centre.

Consider Insurance when you are ready travel during a pandemic

This is more important than ever. Get insurance. I know some people in the past have played around with this but this is no longer a joke. Travelling is no longer just an escape it’s a danger zone that you enter at your own risk. Get a travel insurance quote from a Worldwide Insurance company. Not an unknown company. Be willing to spend for your own safety.

Go to countries that have the lowest numbers

Unlike the UK, many countries have been relatively unscathed by the COVID19 pandemic, at least for now. If a destination has few cases or a low death rate, the risk of catching the virus while there is hopefully quite low.

Whatever you do when travelling be mindful to avoid crowds. Consider activities like hiking and maybe camping (not really my thing but hey). Avoid eating out in busy restaurants, clubbing, bars, concerts and night clubs.

Cover up and hold a hygiene bag….

Please consider covering up and protecting yourself. When I did Italy for my birthday last year I carried a little hygiene bag. It had:

Travel during a pandemic

You may even want to carry your COVID19 test with you here. Taking the right precautions when travelling or deciding to travel during a pandemic can really help you have a much smoother travel experience.

Taking the right steps and measures to cover yourself are essential for your travels. It will help you make sure that you enjoy your trip. I hope the tips I’ve shared above are helpful and please please do share if you have any in the comments below.

See you soon.

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6 Amazing Things To Do In Italy, Milian

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Milan is a city in northern Italy, the capital of Lombardy, and the second-most populous city in Italy after Rome. I did a cheeky weekend getaway with one of my best girls to Milian a few years ago.   

6 Amazing Things To Do In Italy, Milian

We arrived in Milan on a Friday ready for the weekend using Alitalia airlines. This airline was good because it allowed us to purchases cheaper tickets – being under 27 at the time. Worth having a look at their deals.

The hotel we stayed in was called Glam Milano and was pretty decent for the two nights we stayed in Milian. Below I have noted a few things you can get done in a weekend away in Italy, Milan.  

1.Sempione Park  

During the day we went to a beautiful park, called Sempione Park. I fell in love!

2.Terrazza Boscolo  

My friend suggested heading over for a drink and some food. Terrazza Boscolo is up on a roof terrace. Here you will be able to feel the wind in your hair and capture a view of the famous Milan Cathedral.  

italy milan

We were welcomed with a warm welcome and friendly service. Grab yourself an Aperol spritz and tuck into a few canapes.  

Aperol spritz and tuck into a few canapes.

3. Museo Nazionale Della Scienza e Della Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci  

Head over to the largest science museum in Italy.  Here you will see so much art.  

Italy musem

4. Duomo di Milano  

Milan Cathedral is the cathedral church of Milan, Lombardy, Italy. Dedicated to the Nativity of St Mary, it is the seat of the Archbishop of Milan, currently Archbishop Mario Delpini. The cathedral took nearly six centuries to complete!!  

duomo di milano

5. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II  

Italy is renowned for its shopping

You have to go to the most famous shopping mall! Italy is renowned for its shopping!  The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is Italy’s oldest active shopping mall and a major landmark of Milan, Italy.  

italy

6. Take a Trip to Lake Como x  

Lake Como is in Northern Italy’s Lombardy region, it’s an upscale resort area known for dramatic scenery.   It’s about two hours drive from Milan and is worth going for a late dinner.  

Italy trips

Hope you enjoyed my six amazing things to do in Italy, Milian. If you would like to keep up to date with my blog posts then don’t forget to subscribe.

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4 Romantic Weekend European Getaways for Couples

I have to say I also love a romantic weekend getaways. With long workdays and everyday life, you have to admit a getaway is a must to keep things alive and fresh. There are so many places to get away with a loved one. It can be a colourful hotspot, city breaks, charming beach towns and more.

Of course, I understand that every couple is different and has various taste when travelling with a loved one. This year I went on a few weekend getaways, some for romance and others for celebrations and I thought it would be good to start a travel couple series.

5 perfect weekend getaways for couples

Copenhagen, Denmark 

Copenhagen is a city that’s founded on the water, and you’re never far from one of the canals or the harbour-side.

You can easily see a lot of Copenhagen on a long weekend getaway. Nyhaven was a favourite spot for a stroll for my partner and me. It has pretty coloured merchant houses and plenty of cafes to sit outside and enjoy the atmosphere while the small bridge that crosses it has a collection of love locks similar to those found in Rome and Paris.

romantic weekend getaway

Note: Copenhagen is quite an expensive European country, so it’s advised to plan well ahead before going. I stayed at the WakeUp Copenhagen Hotel, which was reasonable for the price we paid.

You can find out more things to do in Copenhagen – A Day with MBV In Copenhagen

Italy, Bologna 

OASIS

Italy is a great country to visit for a long romantic weekend getaway. I would suggest Bologna. Bologna is the lively, historic capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, in northern Italy. There is so much history and romance in this city.

ITALY

You can easily see a lot of Bologna in long romantic weekend getaways. Finestrella di Via Piella you reach the famous window on the Canale delle Moline and the bridge, both overlooking the canal. Looking out among the buildings, you can see one of the few stretches of running water.

Sweden, Arild

SWEDEN

Arild is a train away from Copenhagen. It is situated in Höganäs Municipality, Skåne County, Sweden with only 522 inhabitants. I stayed in a hotel surrounded by a mountain, with a sea which I would say is beautiful for a morning stroll. The Hotel Rusthållargården was very old fashioned, with lovely stone walls and full windows.

Sweden like Copenhagen is quite a pricey country, so proper planning is useful before you visit.

romantic weekend getaway IN SWEDEN

France, Paris  

romantic weekend getaway in PARIS

Yes! Paris is one of my favourite romantic weekend getaways. Paris, France’s capital, is a major European city and a global centre for art, fashion, gastronomy and culture. I would always go to Paris for a cheeky romantic getaway!

There are so many romantic activities to do like the famous Eiffel Tower, dinner at KONG and more.

You can find out more things to do Paris – France Paris: A 3 Day Romantic Trip In Paris

KONG

Thank you for reading my post. I have a few things lined up on couple travelling, so be sure to subscribe for the new blog post.

Do you have any romantic getaway suggestions – leave a comment below, and let’s add these to our bucket list (if you have one). Read the related post – An Expert Guide: What to Pack for a Weekend Getaway.

pintrest

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