Since I was thirteen I wanted to travel the world. When I finally set off, five years later, I went with three bags strapped across my back. I went with a fairly flawed idea of how to travel, what was important and what wasn't. Since then I've traveled a number of times, most recently I've been abroad for a year and a half. I've learned how to travel, how to pack, and most importantly, how to enjoy myself. This podcast focuses on how to travel in Italy. It's the country I have the most experience in since I now live here, but most of the information can be used across the world. Enjoy! Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/onlyabag/support
Now we've arrived to the beginning of the end of the miniseries on Naples! For those of you who have been following along on this miniseries, you'll have heard most of this information already. This episode, and the next two, are "condensed" and designed to give all of the past 10~ episodes worth of information in 3.They're intended for those of you who don't have much time to delve into 5 hours of episodes, or those of you who came to this podcast after we published the miniseries so you can start with the condensed and go to the long-form if you find something interesting. Below are some of our favorite hotels to stay in while we're in Naples. Each of the links are affiliate links, and if you book your stay through the link, we earn a small percentage of the booking platform's fees. Train StationBudget: Vergilius Bilia. Clean and modern. https://agoda.tpm.li/Gu6XirQMMid-Range: Starhotels Terminus. Old-school but nice, right next to the station. https://agoda.tpm.li/hCbKTXYRCentro StoricoBudget: Hotel Caravaggio. Old-school but clean. Centrally located. https://agoda.tpm.li/NdMJaOflMid-Range: UNA Hotels Napoli. Equidistant to the train station and centro storico. Nice views of the city. https://agoda.tpm.li/QcnssG4VUpper Crust: Palazzo Caracciolo Naples. On the edge of centro storico, but with modern amenities. https://agoda.tpm.li/ulwHhc9iSpanish Quarter/ToldeoBudget: Hotel Il Convento. Small rooms, but in the action of the city. https://agoda.tpm.li/GLl8jEPNMid-Range: Art Resort Galleria Umberto. Stay in the Galleria Umberto. What more needs to be said? https://agoda.tpm.li/6EhwUpfWUpper Crust: Hotel Romeo. Little slice of luxury near the port and centro storico. https://agoda.tpm.li/kQdItv3YChiaiaBudget: Pinto-Storey Hotel. Like an old-school Bed and Breakfast. https://agoda.tpm.li/isL35cGeMid-Range: Hotel Majestic. Modern but like 2010 modern: https://agoda.tpm.li/mh6RUnZiUpper Crust: Grand Hotel Parker's. Swanky, near the water: https://agoda.tpm.li/KaH7yHzfIf you'd like to support the podcast in other ways, you can donate to Only a Bag on ko-fi.com! If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts! If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com, by email at onlyabagpodcast@gmail.com, on Instagram, or Bluesky.For more info, check out our articles on onlyabag.com and read our Substack Letters from the Balcony.Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel
While Naples is certainly known for its seaside day trips, for those of you who are more interested in a bit of history and delving into the past, the area around Naples has far more than simply Pompeii. From the nearby first Greek city on mainland Italy, Cumae, to the no-longer-ruined palace in Caserta (rivaling that of Versailles), to the tomb of Virgil, this absolute plethora of non-water-centric ruins and castles can make any trip educational and interesting! Below are some of our favorite hotels to stay in while we're in Naples. Each of the links are affiliate links, and if you book your stay through the link, we earn a small percentage of the booking platform's fees. Train StationBudget: Vergilius Bilia. Clean and modern. https://agoda.tpm.li/Gu6XirQMMid-Range: Starhotels Terminus. Old-school but nice, right next to the station. https://agoda.tpm.li/hCbKTXYRCentro StoricoBudget: Hotel Caravaggio. Old-school but clean. Centrally located. https://agoda.tpm.li/NdMJaOflMid-Range: UNA Hotels Napoli. Equidistant to the train station and centro storico. Nice views of the city. https://agoda.tpm.li/QcnssG4VUpper Crust: Palazzo Caracciolo Naples. On the edge of centro storico, but with modern amenities. https://agoda.tpm.li/ulwHhc9iSpanish Quarter/ToldeoBudget: Hotel Il Convento. Small rooms, but in the action of the city. https://agoda.tpm.li/GLl8jEPNMid-Range: Art Resort Galleria Umberto. Stay in the Galleria Umberto. What more needs to be said? https://agoda.tpm.li/6EhwUpfWUpper Crust: Hotel Romeo. Little slice of luxury near the port and centro storico. https://agoda.tpm.li/kQdItv3YChiaiaBudget: Pinto-Storey Hotel. Like an old-school Bed and Breakfast. https://agoda.tpm.li/isL35cGeMid-Range: Hotel Majestic. Modern but like 2010 modern: https://agoda.tpm.li/mh6RUnZiUpper Crust: Grand Hotel Parker's. Swanky, near the water: https://agoda.tpm.li/KaH7yHzfIf you'd like to support the podcast in other ways, you can donate to Only a Bag on ko-fi.com! If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts! If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com, by email at onlyabagpodcast@gmail.com, on Instagram, or Bluesky.For more info, check out our articles on onlyabag.com and read our Substack Letters from the Balcony.Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel
So, we've sold you on Naples. Now the question is, where else can you go near Naples, and it's a valid question! Despite Naples' hectic, chaotic, caught-in-time feeling, it's surrounded by a gorgeous sea with a handful of islands and coastlines that cool down any summer trip! As we've mentioned in previous episodes, the farther south you go from Naples (until you hit Calabria, no disrespect) the seaside tends to get less busy and more local, so if you have a few extra days and you'd like to spend the night somewhere, check out the Cilento Coast! Below are some of our favorite hotels to stay in while we're in Naples. Each of the links are affiliate links, and if you book your stay through the link, we earn a small percentage of the booking platform's fees. Train StationBudget: Vergilius Bilia. Clean and modern. https://agoda.tpm.li/Gu6XirQMMid-Range: Starhotels Terminus. Old-school but nice, right next to the station. https://agoda.tpm.li/hCbKTXYRCentro StoricoBudget: Hotel Caravaggio. Old-school but clean. Centrally located. https://agoda.tpm.li/NdMJaOflMid-Range: UNA Hotels Napoli. Equidistant to the train station and centro storico. Nice views of the city. https://agoda.tpm.li/QcnssG4VUpper Crust: Palazzo Caracciolo Naples. On the edge of centro storico, but with modern amenities. https://agoda.tpm.li/ulwHhc9iSpanish Quarter/ToldeoBudget: Hotel Il Convento. Small rooms, but in the action of the city. https://agoda.tpm.li/GLl8jEPNMid-Range: Art Resort Galleria Umberto. Stay in the Galleria Umberto. What more needs to be said? https://agoda.tpm.li/6EhwUpfWUpper Crust: Hotel Romeo. Little slice of luxury near the port and centro storico. https://agoda.tpm.li/kQdItv3YChiaiaBudget: Pinto-Storey Hotel. Like an old-school Bed and Breakfast. https://agoda.tpm.li/isL35cGeMid-Range: Hotel Majestic. Modern but like 2010 modern: https://agoda.tpm.li/mh6RUnZiUpper Crust: Grand Hotel Parker's. Swanky, near the water: https://agoda.tpm.li/KaH7yHzfIf you'd like to support the podcast in other ways, you can donate to Only a Bag on ko-fi.com! If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts! If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com, by email at onlyabagpodcast@gmail.com, on Instagram, or Bluesky.For more info, check out our articles on onlyabag.com and read our Substack Letters from the Balcony.Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel
Still not sure what to do in Naples? No worries, we've got you covered! As we mention in both episodes, Naples has tons to do, it also just suffers from the unfortunate aspect of being under—or simply not—advertised. Below are some of our favorite hotels to stay in while we're in Naples. Each of the links are affiliate links, and if you book your stay through the link, we earn a small percentage of the booking platform's fees. Train StationBudget: Vergilius Bilia. Clean and modern. https://agoda.tpm.li/Gu6XirQMMid-Range: Starhotels Terminus. Old-school but nice, right next to the station. https://agoda.tpm.li/hCbKTXYRCentro StoricoBudget: Hotel Caravaggio. Old-school but clean. Centrally located. https://agoda.tpm.li/NdMJaOflMid-Range: UNA Hotels Napoli. Equidistant to the train station and centro storico. Nice views of the city. https://agoda.tpm.li/QcnssG4VUpper Crust: Palazzo Caracciolo Naples. On the edge of centro storico, but with modern amenities. https://agoda.tpm.li/ulwHhc9iSpanish Quarter/ToldeoBudget: Hotel Il Convento. Small rooms, but in the action of the city. https://agoda.tpm.li/GLl8jEPNMid-Range: Art Resort Galleria Umberto. Stay in the Galleria Umberto. What more needs to be said? https://agoda.tpm.li/6EhwUpfWUpper Crust: Hotel Romeo. Little slice of luxury near the port and centro storico. https://agoda.tpm.li/kQdItv3YChiaiaBudget: Pinto-Storey Hotel. Like an old-school Bed and Breakfast. https://agoda.tpm.li/isL35cGeMid-Range: Hotel Majestic. Modern but like 2010 modern: https://agoda.tpm.li/mh6RUnZiUpper Crust: Grand Hotel Parker's. Swanky, near the water: https://agoda.tpm.li/KaH7yHzfIf you'd like to support the podcast in other ways, you can donate to Only a Bag on ko-fi.com! If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts! If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com, by email at onlyabagpodcast@gmail.com, on Instagram, or Bluesky.For more info, check out our articles on onlyabag.com and read our Substack Letters from the Balcony.Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel
Happy Halloween to those who celebrate! And to those who don't, happy random Friday in October! In this episode, Darcy takes us into the history of the Napoli Catacombs, as well as a few other spooky and haunted places! If you're curious about taking a walking tour, you can check out the links below! They are affiliate links, so we do make a small commission, which helps us keep the show going! Walking Tour: Naples Mysteries and MythsWalking Tour: Folklore and Superstitions Walking Tour: Murals, Catacombs, and the Sanita DistrictOfficial Links for things mentioned in the episode:Museo SanseveroCatacombsFontanelle CemeteryBelow are some of our favorite hotels to stay in while we're in Naples. Each of the links are affiliate links, and if you book your stay through the link, we earn a small percentage of the booking platform's fees. Train StationBudget: Vergilius Bilia. Clean and modern. https://agoda.tpm.li/Gu6XirQMMid-Range: Starhotels Terminus. Old-school but nice, right next to the station. https://agoda.tpm.li/hCbKTXYRCentro StoricoBudget: Hotel Caravaggio. Old-school but clean. Centrally located. https://agoda.tpm.li/NdMJaOflMid-Range: UNA Hotels Napoli. Equidistant to the train station and centro storico. Nice views of the city. https://agoda.tpm.li/QcnssG4VUpper Crust: Palazzo Caracciolo Naples. On the edge of centro storico, but with modern amenities. https://agoda.tpm.li/ulwHhc9iSpanish Quarter/ToldeoBudget: Hotel Il Convento. Small rooms, but in the action of the city. https://agoda.tpm.li/GLl8jEPNMid-Range: Art Resort Galleria Umberto. Stay in the Galleria Umberto. What more needs to be said? https://agoda.tpm.li/6EhwUpfWUpper Crust: Hotel Romeo. Little slice of luxury near the port and centro storico. https://agoda.tpm.li/kQdItv3YChiaiaBudget: Pinto-Storey Hotel. Like an old-school Bed and Breakfast. https://agoda.tpm.li/isL35cGeMid-Range: Hotel Majestic. Modern but like 2010 modern: https://agoda.tpm.li/mh6RUnZiUpper Crust: Grand Hotel Parker's. Swanky, near the water: https://agoda.tpm.li/KaH7yHzfIf you'd like to support the podcast in other ways, you can donate to Only a Bag on ko-fi.com! If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts! If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com, by email at onlyabagpodcast@gmail.com, on Instagram, or Bluesky.For more info, check out our articles on onlyabag.com and read our Substack Letters from the Balcony.Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel
This might be the biggest question for any tourist to Naples: what can I do there? Well, tons! Unfortunately for Naples, it doesn't quite have anything that draw the imagination quite like Rome's Colosseum, or Florence's Duomo, but it still packed with history, artifacts, Egg Castles, weird automatons, and so much more! Below are some of our favorite hotels to stay in while we're in Naples. Each of the links are affiliate links, and if you book your stay through the link, we earn a small percentage of the booking platform's fees. Train StationBudget: Vergilius Bilia. Clean and modern. https://agoda.tpm.li/Gu6XirQMMid-Range: Starhotels Terminus. Old-school but nice, right next to the station. https://agoda.tpm.li/hCbKTXYRCentro StoricoBudget: Hotel Caravaggio. Old-school but clean. Centrally located. https://agoda.tpm.li/NdMJaOflMid-Range: UNA Hotels Napoli. Equidistant to the train station and centro storico. Nice views of the city. https://agoda.tpm.li/QcnssG4VUpper Crust: Palazzo Caracciolo Naples. On the edge of centro storico, but with modern amenities. https://agoda.tpm.li/ulwHhc9iSpanish Quarter/ToldeoBudget: Hotel Il Convento. Small rooms, but in the action of the city. https://agoda.tpm.li/GLl8jEPNMid-Range: Art Resort Galleria Umberto. Stay in the Galleria Umberto. What more needs to be said? https://agoda.tpm.li/6EhwUpfWUpper Crust: Hotel Romeo. Little slice of luxury near the port and centro storico. https://agoda.tpm.li/kQdItv3YChiaiaBudget: Pinto-Storey Hotel. Like an old-school Bed and Breakfast. https://agoda.tpm.li/isL35cGeMid-Range: Hotel Majestic. Modern but like 2010 modern: https://agoda.tpm.li/mh6RUnZiUpper Crust: Grand Hotel Parker's. Swanky, near the water: https://agoda.tpm.li/KaH7yHzfIf you'd like to support the podcast in other ways, you can donate to Only a Bag on ko-fi.com! If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts! If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com, by email at onlyabagpodcast@gmail.com, on Instagram, or Bluesky.For more info, check out our articles on onlyabag.com and read our Substack Letters from the Balcony.Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel
How could we talk about Naples and not about the pastries? After all, this is why you listen to Only A Bag! After a few thousand years of outside rule, one of the few good things (which is a weird way of saying, "Thanks for leaving behind some of your food when you ruled over us with an iron fist.") that came from it is the introduction of pastries. Graffa from the Austrian krapfen, baba from the French (and earlier Polish) baba, and sfogliatella from the nuns of Conci die Marini and then through a pastry chef who purchased the recipe and the rights to sell it (which is far more wholesome!). And, of course, like any other sweet thing over the course of history, someone looked at it and asked the age-old question, "Yes, but can it also be fried?". With that, we introduce you to the wonderful world of Neapolitan pastries! If you're planning your trip to Naples and would like to help out Only A Bag, you can do so by booking through one of the links below! Each of the links are affiliate links, and if you book your stay through the link, we earn a small percentage of the booking platform's fees. Train StationBudget: Vergilius Bilia. Clean and modern. https://agoda.tpm.li/Gu6XirQMMid-Range: Starhotels Terminus. Old-school but nice, right next to the station. https://agoda.tpm.li/hCbKTXYR Centro StoricoBudget: Hotel Caravaggio. Old-school but clean. Centrally located. https://agoda.tpm.li/NdMJaOflMid-Range: UNA Hotels Napoli. Equidistant to the train station and centro storico. Nice views of the city. https://agoda.tpm.li/QcnssG4VUpper Crust: Palazzo Caracciolo Naples. On the edge of centro storico, but with modern amenities. https://agoda.tpm.li/ulwHhc9i Spanish Quarter/ToldeoBudget: Hotel Il Convento. Small rooms, but in the action of the city. https://agoda.tpm.li/GLl8jEPNMid-Range: Art Resort Galleria Umberto. Stay in the Galleria Umberto. What more needs to be said? https://agoda.tpm.li/6EhwUpfWUpper Crust: Hotel Romeo. Little slice of luxury near the port and centro storico. https://agoda.tpm.li/kQdItv3Y ChiaiaBudget: Pinto-Storey Hotel. Like an old-school Bed and Breakfast. https://agoda.tpm.li/isL35cGeMid-Range: Hotel Majestic. Modern but like 2010 modern: https://agoda.tpm.li/mh6RUnZiUpper Crust: Grand Hotel Parker's. Swanky, near the water: https://agoda.tpm.li/KaH7yHzfIf you'd like to support the podcast in other ways, you can donate to Only a Bag on ko-fi.com! If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts! If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com, by email at onlyabagpodcast@gmail.com, on Instagram, or Bluesky.For more info, check out our articles on onlyabag.com and read our Substack Letters from the Balcony.Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel
(I apologize for the late upload! I (Nathaniel) got back into town late and got my days mixed up!)Continuing the Naples theme, we delve into dinner time, street food (like the famous pizza portafoglio, or pizza folded into a triangle) and the most famous dish to ever come out of such a storied city: pizza not folded into a triangle. We mentioned a list of the best pizzerias in Italy which can be found here: https://www.50toppizza.it/50-top-pizza-italia-2025/ If you're looking to plan your stay in Naples, consider some of the hotels below! They're either ones we've stayed in and enjoyed, or ones we've heard/read great things about. Each of the links are affiliate links, and if you book your stay through the link, we earn a small percentage of the booking platform's fees. Train StationBudget: Vergilius Bilia. Clean and modern. https://agoda.tpm.li/Gu6XirQM Mid-Range: Starhotels Terminus. Old-school but nice, right next to the station. https://agoda.tpm.li/hCbKTXYR Centro StoricoBudget: Hotel Caravaggio. Old-school but clean. Centrally located. https://agoda.tpm.li/NdMJaOfl Mid-Range: UNA Hotels Napoli. Equidistant to the train station and centro storico. Nice views of the city. https://agoda.tpm.li/QcnssG4V Upper Crust: Palazzo Caracciolo Naples. On the edge of centro storico, but with modern amenities. https://agoda.tpm.li/ulwHhc9i Spanish Quarter/ToldeoBudget: Hotel Il Convento. Small rooms, but in the action of the city. https://agoda.tpm.li/GLl8jEPN Mid-Range: Art Resort Galleria Umberto. Stay in the Galleria Umberto. What more needs to be said? https://agoda.tpm.li/6EhwUpfW Upper Crust: Hotel Romeo. Little slice of luxury near the port and centro storico. https://agoda.tpm.li/kQdItv3Y ChiaiaBudget: Pinto-Storey Hotel. Like an old-school Bed and Breakfast. https://agoda.tpm.li/isL35cGeMid-Range: Hotel Majestic. Modern but like 2010 modern: https://agoda.tpm.li/mh6RUnZiUpper Crust: Grand Hotel Parker's. Swanky, near the water: https://agoda.tpm.li/KaH7yHzf If you'd like to support the podcast in other ways, you can donate to Only a Bag on ko-fi.com! If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts! If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com, by email at onlyabagpodcast@gmail.com, on Instagram, or Bluesky.For more info, check out our articles on onlyabag.com and read our Substack Letters from the Balcony.Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel
Welcome back to Staying in Naples as we delve into each of the neighborhoods, weighing pros and cons, and offering our insight into which part of the city might be best for you! We do want to mention that this is solely our opinion, of course. There's no "one best location for everyone" just as there's not hotel like that. However, we do try to give you as much actionable information as possible, whether you're a solo traveler, traveling with kids, or traveling with a partner. In this episode, we mention that we'll provide links to some hotels that we like, or hotels we've heard good things about but haven't gotten around to staying at yet. Each of the links are affiliate links, and if you book your stay through the link, we earn a small percentage of the booking platform's fees. Train StationBudget: Vergilius Bilia. Clean and modern. https://agoda.tpm.li/Gu6XirQM Mid-Range: Starhotels Terminus. Old-school but nice, right next to the station. https://agoda.tpm.li/hCbKTXYR Centro StoricoBudget: Hotel Caravaggio. Old-school but clean. Centrally located. https://agoda.tpm.li/NdMJaOfl Mid-Range: UNA Hotels Napoli. Equidistant to the train station and centro storico. Nice views of the city. https://agoda.tpm.li/QcnssG4V Upper Crust: Palazzo Caracciolo Naples. On the edge of centro storico, but with modern amenities. https://agoda.tpm.li/ulwHhc9i Spanish Quarter/ToldeoBudget: Hotel Il Convento. Small rooms, but in the action of the city. https://agoda.tpm.li/GLl8jEPN Mid-Range: Art Resort Galleria Umberto. Stay in the Galleria Umberto. What more needs to be said? https://agoda.tpm.li/6EhwUpfW Upper Crust: Hotel Romeo. Little slice of luxury near the port and centro storico. https://agoda.tpm.li/kQdItv3Y ChiaiaBudget: Pinto-Storey Hotel. Like an old-school Bed and Breakfast. https://agoda.tpm.li/isL35cGeMid-Range: Hotel Majestic. Modern but like 2010 modern: https://agoda.tpm.li/mh6RUnZiUpper Crust: Grand Hotel Parker's. Swanky, near the water: https://agoda.tpm.li/KaH7yHzf If you'd like to support the podcast in other ways, you can donate to Only a Bag on ko-fi.com! If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts! If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com, by email at onlyabagpodcast@gmail.com, on Instagram, or Bluesky.For more info, check out our articles on onlyabag.com and read our Substack Letters from the Balcony.Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel
In these next two episodes, we cover where to stay in Naples. We both know the stress that comes with booking a hotel and combing through pages and pages of results, trying to figure out the difference in hotels through the grainiest of images. Then, who knows if the hotel you booked is even a hotel and not an Airbnb with the host in another city or country, trying to tell you via phone where the key is. So, we try to help you avoid that situation! In this episode, we mention that we'll provide links to some hotels that we like, or hotels we've heard good things about but haven't gotten around to staying at yet. Each of the links are affiliate links, and if you book your stay through the link, we earn a small percentage of the booking platform's fees. Train StationBudget: Vergilius Bilia. Clean and modern. https://agoda.tpm.li/Gu6XirQM Mid-Range: Starhotels Terminus. Old-school but nice, right next to the station. https://agoda.tpm.li/hCbKTXYR Centro StoricoBudget: Hotel Caravaggio. Old-school but clean. Centrally located. https://agoda.tpm.li/NdMJaOfl Mid-Range: UNA Hotels Napoli. Equidistant to the train station and centro storico. Nice views of the city. https://agoda.tpm.li/QcnssG4V Upper Crust: Palazzo Caracciolo Naples. On the edge of centro storico, but with modern amenities. https://agoda.tpm.li/ulwHhc9i Spanish Quarter/ToldeoBudget: Hotel Il Convento. Small rooms, but in the action of the city. https://agoda.tpm.li/GLl8jEPN Mid-Range: Art Resort Galleria Umberto. Stay in the Galleria Umberto. What more needs to be said? https://agoda.tpm.li/6EhwUpfW Upper Crust: Hotel Romeo. Little slice of luxury near the port and centro storico. https://agoda.tpm.li/kQdItv3Y ChiaiaBudget: Pinto-Storey Hotel. Like an old-school Bed and Breakfast. https://agoda.tpm.li/isL35cGeMid-Range: Hotel Majestic. Modern but like 2010 modern: https://agoda.tpm.li/mh6RUnZiUpper Crust: Grand Hotel Parker's. Swanky, near the water: https://agoda.tpm.li/KaH7yHzf If you'd like to support the podcast in other ways, you can donate to Only a Bag on ko-fi.com! If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts! If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com, by email at onlyabagpodcast@gmail.com, on Instagram, or Bluesky.For more info, check out our articles on onlyabag.com and read our Substack Letters from the Balcony.Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel
Naples is an incredible city, full of history, art, the best pizza in the world, and sense of magic in the smoggy air. Unlike Rome or other large Italian cities you may visit, Naples struggles to have comprehensive public transportation in the city center. But never fear, in this episode we're talking about how to use public transit in Naples, a special look out reachable by funicular ,and much more! The hotel we mention in the Galleria Umberto is "Art Resort Galleria Umberto".* If you're looking for other specific recommendations, we liked both "NH Napoli Panorama"* for its incredible view and "Relais Della Porta"* for that "old world" feel. All links marked by an asterisk (*) are affiliate links and every time you purchase through one of them, we make a small percentage of the total sale. We appreciate your support! If you'd like to support the podcast, you can donate to Only a Bag on ko-fi.com! If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts! If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com, by email at onlyabagpodcast@gmail.com, on Instagram, or Bluesky.For more info, check out our articles on onlyabag.com and read our Substack Letters from the Balcony.Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel
Plus train stations, bus stations, and ports! Getting to your destination and accommodations can be the most stressful part of your trip, so we're breaking down exactly how to get to and from Naples. Don't worry it's pretty simple, but we've got all the tips to make it go even more smoothly.UPDATE: We recorded this episode when the US government had just shutdown. Since then, some air traffic controllers have reportedly stopped working, are calling out sick, etc. as they will no longer receive backpay. Our statement thanking them was not intended to leave anyone out, but at the time, to draw attention to a vital part of the travel and transportation industry once again working without pay. Hungry for more info about Naples? Check out our articles on onlyabag.com!At the top of the episode we mention some major changes that will affect airline passengers who use a wheelchair or mobility device in the US. Here are a few links you may find helpful if you're affected by these changes. To file a complaint you can go to the USDOT website or call 1-800-778-4838What to Do If You Have a ProblemUSDOT Complaint FormAirline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of RightsFor getting to Naples, you can book flights and trains through our affiliate links (Flights/Trains) and we'll receive a small percentage of Omio's share. We appreciate your support! If you'd like to support the podcast, you can donate to Only a Bag on ko-fi.com! If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts! If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com, by email at onlyabagpodcast@gmail.com, on Instagram, or Bluesky.For more info, check out our articles on onlyabag.com and read our Substack Letters from the Balcony.As always, thank you all so much for listening!x Darcy and Nathaniel
In this episode we're continuing our "Italy in the Headlines" segment as we discuss the recent demonstrations and protests across Italy—some of which captured international headlines and attention. We also look into Bolzano's recent proposal to levy a "dog tourist tax", and we touch on Italy's new AI law—the first nation in the EU to pass one. If you'd like to support the podcast, you can donate to Only a Bag on ko-fi.com! Or use our affiliate links (at no cost to you) for booking hotels, transportation, and tours/classes with booking.com, omio.com, and viator.com. Thank you so much to all of you who have donated! If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts! If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com, by email at onlyabagpodcast@gmail.com, on Instagram, or Bluesky.For more info, check out our articles on onlyabag.com and read our Substack Letters from the Balcony.As always, thank you all so much for listening!x Darcy and Nathaniel
This week we're talking about headlines and news that might affect your trip to Italy. Much of this episode discusses the somewhat confusing new Entry/Exit System (EES) mandates that will affect everyone entering the Schengen Zone. We also touch on the upcoming October 2-3 train strike as well as the reinstatement of a public holiday for Saint Francis of Assisi.If you'd like to support the podcast, you can donate to Only a Bag on ko-fi.com! Or use our affiliate links (at no cost to you) for booking hotels, transportation, and tours/classes with booking.com, omio.com, and viator.com. Thank you so much to all of you who have donated! If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts! If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com, by email at onlyabagpodcast@gmail.com, on Instagram, or Bluesky.For more info, check out our articles on onlyabag.com and read our Substack Letters from the Balcony.As always, thank you all so much for listening!x Darcy and Nathaniel
Picking up where we left off on Wednesday, we look at what you are entitled to when your flight is delayed in the States and which part of an international flight is covered by which country's laws. More importantly we jump into how to mitigate bad luck and flight delays, the difference in taking a European carrier and an American one, and whose fault it is when a flight is cancelled. Plus, we touch on facial recognition in airports, specifically the use of technology like FaceBoarding. Looking for flight tips? Check out Nathaniel's article 7 Best Tips for International Flights!Thank you so much to all of those who have donated! If you'd like to support the podcast, you can donate to Only a Bag on ko-fi.com! Or use our affiliate links (at no cost to you) for booking hotels, transportation, and tours/classes with booking.com, omio.com, and viator.com. If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts! If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com, by email at onlyabagpodcast@gmail.com, on Instagram, or Bluesky.For more info, check out our articles on onlyabag.com and read our Substack Letters from the Balcony.As always, thank you all so much for listening!x Darcy and Nathaniel
This week, we're talking about your rights as an airline passenger. There's so much to talk about that we're breaking it up into two parts. What are you guaranteed if your flight is delayed or cancelled? Who made the rules? And what to do if you use a mobility device and it's damaged or destroyed by the airline?Looking for flight tips? Check out Nathaniel's article 7 Best Tips for International Flights!Thank you so much to all of those who have donated! If you'd like to support the podcast, you can donate to Only a Bag on ko-fi.com! Or use our affiliate links (at no cost to you) for booking hotels, transportation, and tours/classes with booking.com, omio.com, and viator.com. If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts! If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com, by email at onlyabagpodcast@gmail.com, on Instagram, or Bluesky.For more info, check out our articles on onlyabag.com and read our Substack Letters from the Balcony.As always, thank you all so much for listening!x Darcy and Nathaniel
In this episode, we're continuing our revisit to episodes from last year about flights! We'll tell you all of our best tips for making your flight to Italy as smooth and comfortable as possible, because let's be honest, drying out in recycled air in a tube in the sky... isn't the best part of vacation. But we've got you covered! As mentioned in this episode, if you're bringing any prescription medication with you, legally, you do need to fill out a form and have it signed by your doctor. Here is a link to the Ministry of Health website where you can download the form: https://www.salute.gov.it/new/en/tema/medicinali-stupefacenti-e-precursori-di-droghe/travelling-internationally-medicines-containing/ Thank you all to those who donated to help us purchase the new microphones! It means so much to us; your support helps us to improve the podcast!If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts! If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com, by email at onlyabagpodcast@gmail.com, on Instagram, or Bluesky.For more info, check out our articles on onlyabag.com and read our Substack Letters from the Balcony.Want to help the podcast? You can use our affiliate links for booking hotels, transportation, and tours/classes with booking.com, omio.com, and viator.com. You can also donate to Only a Bag on ko-fi.com to keep the podcast going! As always, thank you all so much for listening!x Darcy and Nathaniel
Darcy just got back from a trip to the US so we thought we'd tell you all of our best tips and heads-ups on how to make your trip as smooth as possible. This week, we're revisiting a couple of episodes from a more than a year ago: we're talking about flights! In this episode we're focusing on the airport. Do I have to take off my shoes? Why is that security line going faster? What documents do I need to board the plane? We'll answer all of that and get into our best tips: stay hydrated and eat a snack! Thank you all to those who donated to help us purchase the new microphones! It means so much to us; your support helps us to improve the podcast!If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts! If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com, by email at onlyabagpodcast@gmail.com, on Instagram, or Bluesky.For more info, check out our articles on onlyabag.com and read our Substack Letters from the Balcony.Want to help the podcast? You can use our affiliate links for booking hotels, transportation, and tours/classes with booking.com, omio.com, and viator.com. You can also donate to Only a Bag on ko-fi.com to keep the podcast going! As always, thank you all so much for listening!x Darcy and Nathaniel
As we bring this mini-series to a close, we discuss getting a phone plan that will work in Italy (I, Nathaniel, erroneously wrote that Episode 4 dealt with phone plans, however, that self-note was out of date; this is the episode we discuss the phone plans, I apologize for the confusion!), taking tours (and watching for any tour scams), and weighing the time constraints of tours and classes versus free time! Lastly, thank you all to those who donated to help us purchase the new microphones! It means the world to us! If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts! If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com, by email at onlyabagpodcast@gmail.com, on Instagram, or Bluesky.For more info, check out our articles on onlyabag.com and read our Substack Letters from the Balcony.Want to help the podcast? You can use our affiliate links for booking hotels, transportation, and tours/classes with booking.com, omio.com, and viator.com. You can also donate to Only a Bag on ko-fi.com to keep the podcast going! As always, thank you all so much for listening.x Darcy and NathanielOnly A Bag
Today's episode delves into packing—though not in the same way our previous mini-series on packing for certain seasons did. In this episode, we discuss the basics of packing, how to pack a bag so it's comfortable to you, and most importantly, the type of bag to bring.We also discuss bringing any prescription medicines or pharmaceuticals into Italy, which includes downloading the form from this website (linked here) which does require your doctor to partially fill out. We'd also like to extend an enormous "thank you" to everyone who donated and made the new microphones a reality. Thank you all so much!If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts! If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com, by email at onlyabagpodcast@gmail.com, on Instagram, or Bluesky.For more info, check out our articles on onlyabag.com and read our Substack Letters from the Balcony.Want to help the podcast? You can use our affiliate links for booking hotels, transportation, and experiences with booking.com, omio.com, and viator.com. You can also donate to Only a Bag on ko-fi.com to keep the podcast going! As always, thank you all so much for listening.x Darcy and NathanielOnly A Bag
Instead of putting the "kitchen sink" episode (or, the episode filled with smaller tips and pieces advice that had no where else to go that made sense) at the end of the mini-series, we decided to put it in the middle, that way it ties together with everything that came before it and that will come after it. As also mentioned in this episode (and the two coming out next week), we finally have new microphones! Which means a MASSIVE "thank you" to everyone who donated and made this a reality. Seriously, thank you all so much. This also means that [hopefully] we will sound better, but there's also going to be a slight adjustment period. If you have any thoughts, suggestions, or advice, please feel free to reach out at onlyabag.com.If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts! If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com, by email at onlyabagpodcast@gmail.com, on Instagram, or Bluesky.For more info, check out our articles on onlyabag.com and read our Substack Letters from the Balcony.Want to help the podcast? You can use our affiliate links for booking hotels, transportation, and experiences with booking.com, omio.com, and viator.com. You can also donate to Only a Bag on ko-fi.com to keep the podcast going! As always, thank you all so much for listening.x Darcy and NathanielOnly A Bag
Continuing the mini-series on how to plan your trip, this episode delves into overplanning, setting a loose schedule, and protecting your mental health. Of course, it covers so much more, such as finding your hotel in a strange areas of town, needing a kitchen, and choosing where to book your hotel. As mentioned in the episode (multiple times), we finally have new microphones! Which means a MASSIVE "thank you" to everyone who donated and made this a reality! Thank you! This also means that [hopefully] we will sound better, but there's also going to be a slight adjustment period. In our free time as frequently as we can, we'll be playing with the settings and getting familiar with how they work, but if you have any thoughts, suggestions, or advice, please feel free to reach out at onlyabag.com.In this episode Darcy mentions a website for finding LGBTQIA+ friendly hotels. We couldn't find the exact site Darcy was thinking of, but here are some other similar sites. https://www.mygayhotels.com/en/region-gay-hotels-it.html https://www.worldrainbowhotels.com/europe/italyhttps://www.travelgay.com/ If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts! If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com, by email at onlyabagpodcast@gmail.com, on Instagram, or Bluesky.For more info, check out our articles on onlyabag.com and read our Substack Letters from the Balcony.Want to help the podcast? You can use our affiliate links for booking hotels, transportation, and experiences with booking.com, omio.com, and viator.com. You can also donate to Only a Bag on ko-fi.com to keep the podcast going! As always, thank you all so much for listening.x Darcy and NathanielOnly A Bag
Our mini-series on planning your trip to Italy continues! Today we're talking about step two: picking a theme. This means deciding what kind of trip you want to have. Is it a beach trip? Are you foodie looking to eat your way across the country with cacio e pepe, arancini, and gelato? Or maybe you're interested in adventure or archaeology! We'll talk about the importance of setting priorities and how that can eliminate stress during your Italy vacation. If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts! If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com, by email at onlyabagpodcast@gmail.com, on Instagram, or Bluesky.For more info, check out our articles on onlyabag.com and read our Substack Letters from the Balcony.Want to help the podcast? You can use our affiliate links for booking hotels, transportation, and experiences with booking.com, omio.com, and viator.com. You can also donate to Only a Bag on ko-fi.com to keep the podcast going! As always, thank you all so much for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel
This Wednesday's episode launches the start of this mini-series on planning your trip to Italy. Step one: figure out just how big Italy actually is, and how long it takes you to get from point A to point B. In this episode, we'll also talk about considering ways to break up your trip and tips like booking a multi-city flight. If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts! If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com, by email at onlyabagpodcast@gmail.com, on Instagram, or Bluesky.For more info, check out our articles on onlyabag.com and read our Substack Letters from the Balcony.Want to help the podcast? You can use our affiliate links for booking hotels, transportation, and experiences with booking.com, omio.com, and viator.com. You can also donate to Only a Bag on ko-fi.com to keep the podcast going! As always, thank you all so much for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel
Wrapping up this segment, we talk about the strikes that might affect your trip, the Venice Regatta (boat races), Jimmy Kimmel's Italian citizenship (though, mostly how it might change the Italian government's outlook on jus sanguinis), and the famed (or infamous) Bridge to Sicily/Messina Bridge. And if you're headed to Italy this summer/fall—or already here—you can grab a ferry for 10% off! Such as the previously mentioned ferry from Salerno to the Amalfi Coast! Omio is running a 10% off sale on ferry trips! Here is a link to the site and discount codes for August-October 2025. August code: SAILANDSAVE10September code: SEP24October code: OCT24If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts! If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com, by email at onlyabagpodcast@gmail.com, on Instagram, or Bluesky.For more info, check out our articles on onlyabag.com and read our Substack Letters from the Balcony.If you'd like to support us directly, you can donate to us on Ko-fi (pronounced "coffee"), linked here. Thanks so much for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel Links marked with an asterisk* are affiliate links. By using these links you are supporting Only a Bag. If you make a purchase through these links, you will not be charged extra, but Only a Bag will receive a small cut of the business's profit.
This week we're talking about current events and news that may affect your trip this late summer and early fall. We'll tell you how to stay up-to-date on wildfires in Italy, why beaches are less crowded this year, and talk about instances of tourists behaving poorly in Italy's national parks. Important phone numbers:To report a fire call 115 For forest rangers call 1515 And if you're headed to Italy this summer/fall—or already here—you can grab a ferry for 10% off! Such as the previously mentioned ferry from Salerno to the Amalfi Coast! Omio is running a 10% off sale on ferry trips! Here is a link to the site and discount codes for August-October 2025. August code: SAILANDSAVE10September code: SEP24October code: OCT24If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts! If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com, by email at onlyabagpodcast@gmail.com, on Instagram, or Bluesky.For more info, check out our articles on onlyabag.com and read our Substack Letters from the Balcony.If you'd like to support us directly, you can donate to us on Ko-fi (pronounced "coffee"), linked here. Thanks so much for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel Links marked with an asterisk* are affiliate links. By using these links you are supporting Only a Bag. If you make a purchase through these links, you will not be charged extra, but Only a Bag will receive a small cut of the business's profit.
Tying off this mini-series, we delve into Italy's least-consistent season: spring. While this episode still focuses on how to blend in and things to bring to keep you dry, we also loop in packing tips and advice since it can feel like you have to bring three seasons' worth of clothes if you come in the spring.As we talked about in the first episode, we realized in the course of making this that we have so many more thoughts on the matter than we could stick into four episodes, so in the near future we'll revisit clothing. If you have any questions, please reach out and let us know, so we can also answer those!And if you're headed to Italy this summer/fall—or already here—you can grab a ferry for 10% off! Such as the previously mentioned ferry from Salerno to the Amalfi Coast! Omio is running a 10% off sale on ferry trips! Here is a link to the site and discount codes for August-October 2025. August code: SAILANDSAVE10September code: SEP24October code: OCT24If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts! If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com, by email at onlyabagpodcast@gmail.com, on Instagram, or Bluesky.For more info, check out our articles on onlyabag.com and read our Substack Letters from the Balcony.If you'd like to support us directly, you can donate to us on Ko-fi (pronounced "coffee"), linked here. Thanks so much for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel Links marked with an asterisk* are affiliate links. By using these links you are supporting Only a Bag. If you make a purchase through these links, you will not be charged extra, but Only a Bag will receive a small cut of the business's profit.
Movies may have a lot of us believing that Italy is perpetually warm and sunny, existing in a summer-time golden hour, but don't be fooled, it gets cold! Winter in Italy can be brutal, at least for a girl from the southern US (that's me). In this episode we'll talk about what the locals wear in Italy from North to South and how to pack for a winter vacation in Italy. As we have repeated throughout this mini series: you do not need to buy a whole new wardrobe for your Italy trip, and whatever you own is perfectly fine! All of our tips on what to wear are to help you feel like you're blending in with Italians and Italian life, however what's most important is that you wear what you feel comfortable in! And if you're headed to Italy this year—or already here—you can grab a ferry for 10% off! Such as the previously mentioned ferry from Salerno to the Amalfi Coast! Omio is running a 10% off sale on ferry trips! Here is a link to the site and discount codes for August-October 2025. August code: SAILANDSAVE10September code: SEP24October code: OCT24If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts! If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com, by email at onlyabagpodcast@gmail.com, on Instagram, or Bluesky. If you'd like to support the podcast, you can donate to us on Ko-fi (pronounced coffee)!For more info, check out our articles on onlyabag.com and read our Substack Letters from the Balcony.Thanks so much for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel Links marked with an asterisk* are affiliate links. By using these links you are supporting Only a Bag. If you make a purchase through these links, you will not be charged extra, but Only a Bag will receive a small cut of the business's profit.
In this episode we talk about what to wear to blend in on your Italy vacation in the Fall. We also talk about how to pack for this shoulder season. Plan for both warm and cool weather and consider what part of Italy you'll be visiting, Sicily and Tuscany have pretty different weather in the Fall.Of course, the two main takeaways will always be: never buy a whole new wardrobe for Italy, and whatever you own is perfectly fine! All of our tips on what to wear are to help you feel like you're blending in with Italians and Italian life, however what's most important is that you wear what you feel comfortable in! We realized in the course of making this that we have so many more thoughts on the matter than we could stick into this week's episode, so in the near future we'll revisit clothing. If you have any questions, please reach out and let us know, so we can also answer those! And if you're headed to Italy this summer/fall—or already here—you can grab a ferry for 10% off! Such as the previously mentioned ferry from Salerno to the Amalfi Coast! Omio is running a 10% off sale on ferry trips! Here is a link to the site and discount codes for August-October 2025. August code: SAILANDSAVE10September code: SEP24October code: OCT24If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts! If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com, by email at onlyabagpodcast@gmail.com, on Instagram, or Bluesky.For more info, check out our articles on onlyabag.com and read our Substack Letters from the Balcony.Thanks so much for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel
Whether you want to blend in as a local, or stay cool in the summer, this episode aims to answer most—if not all!—of your questions. Of course, the two main takeaways will always be: never buy a whole new wardrobe for Italy, and whatever you own is perfectly fine! All of our tips on what to wear are to help you feel like you're blending in with Italians and Italian life, however what's most important is that you wear what you feel comfortable in! We realized in the course of making this that we have so many more thoughts on the matter than we could stick into this week's episode, so in the near future we'll revisit clothing. If you have any questions, please reach out and let us know, so we can also answer those! And if you're headed to Italy this summer/fall—or already here—you can grab a ferry for 10% off! Such as the previously mentioned ferry from Salerno to the Amalfi Coast! Omio is running a 10% off sale on ferry trips! Here is a link to the site and discount codes for August-October 2025. August code: SAILANDSAVE10September code: SEP24October code: OCT24If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts! If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com, by email at onlyabagpodcast@gmail.com, on Instagram, or Bluesky.For more info, check out our articles on onlyabag.com and read our Substack Letters from the Balcony.Thanks so much for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel
Many people will tell you not to visit Italy in August, we've been those people before (check out our previous episode if you're looking for reasons not to go to Italy in August). However, there are upsides to visiting in this dreaded travel period! In this episode we look on the positive side to tell you some of the bright spots about traveling to Italy in August. If you're craving a few nights on the water, and the few thousand euro price tag didn't make you gasp, you can see the hotel we're talking about* with a tennis court on the sea. In this episode we mention that smaller towns become more vibrant in August and could be just what you're looking for for your vacation. You can do this easily by booking a train or bus with Trenitalia. More off the beaten areas like southern Italy , where we live, may seem more difficult to get to. If you're looking to travel to south-eastern Italy, try Lamanna, Curcio, or Sita Sud. If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts! If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com, by email at onlyabagpodcast@gmail.com, on Instagram, or Bluesky. For more info, check out our articles on onlyabag.com and read our Substack Letters from the Balcony.Thanks so much for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel Links marked with an asterisk* are affiliate links. By using these links you are supporting Only a Bag. If you make a purchase through these links, you will not be charged extra, but Only a Bag will receive a small cut of the business's profit.
Why do so many people recommend not visiting Italy in August? Is it the heat, the train line maintenance, the packed beaches? Yes. Looking for a reason to vacation in Italy anytime makes sense, but August? We'll break down all the difficulties associated with traveling this month and explain why so many Italians are confused by international travelers visiting in August. If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts! If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com, by email at onlyabagpodcast@gmail.com, on Instagram, or Bluesky. For more info, check out our articles on onlyabag.com and read our Substack Letters from the Balcony.Thanks for listening!xDarcy and Nathaniel
As Part 2 of the "Instead of Positano, Try Scario" episode, we focus on the beaches. Scario has some of the most beautiful, cleanest, and picturesque beaches in the area—so if you're looking for a laidback beach vacation, consider Scario! Scario is a beautiful seaside town on the Cilento Coast about three hours south of Positano. It's less expensive, less crowded, and with far more Italian tourists and town-natives, it's more authentically "Italian" feeling. You may notice that this episode is shorter than normal. We're testing out a new format, two shorter episodes per week rather than one. You'll still get the same amount of podcast, just broken up a bit. We'd love to know which format you prefer! One one-ish hour episode or two 30-ish minute episodes? You can let us know in the comments or at onlyabag.com/contact. We're also intending on still publishing both episodes on Wednesday, but this can also change, based on feedback! We have two hotel suggestions if you'd like to stay in Scario: For a nice hotel on the newer side of town we suggest Hotel Ristorante Cavaliere. If you're feeling adventurous, you can check out La Francesca Sud . This is advertised as "glamping" but actually more like camping tiny-home-style in a forest rooms. However, it has private beaches and is surrounded by nature, so it's the perfect option for anyone looking to disconnect. Both of those are affiliate links, and if you use them, Only a Bag will make a little percentage from Booking without any cost to you! If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts! If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com, by email at onlyabagpodcast@gmail.com, on Instagram, or Bluesy. For more info, check out our articles on onlyabag.com and read our Substack Letters from the Balcony.Thanks so much for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel
If you're looking for a calmer, more laidback version of Positano, you can visit Scario! This is the first episode of our "Instead of" series, in which we offer alternatives to tourist hot-spots. Scario is a beautiful seaside town on the Cilento Coast about three hours south of Positano. It's less expensive, less crowded, and with far more Italian tourists and town-natives, it's more authentically "Italian" feeling. You may notice that this episode is shorter than normal. We're testing out a new format, two shorter episodes per week rather than one. You'll still get the same amount of podcast, just broken up a bit. We'd love to know which format you prefer! One one-ish hour episode or two 30-ish minute episodes? You can let us know in the comments or at onlyabag.com/contact. We're also intending on still publishing both episodes on Wednesday, but this can also change, based on feedback! We have two hotel suggestions if you'd like to stay in Scario: For a nice hotel on the newer side of town we suggest Hotel Ristorante Cavaliere. If you're feeling adventurous, you can check out La Francesca Sud . This is advertised as "glamping" but actually more like camping tiny-home-style in a forest rooms. However, it has private beaches and is surrounded by nature, so it's the perfect option for anyone looking to disconnect. Both of those are affiliate links, and if you use them, Only a Bag will make a little percentage from Booking without any cost to you! If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and follow Only a Bag wherever you listen to podcasts! If you'd like to get in touch, you can send us a message on onlyabag.com, by email at onlyabagpodcast@gmail.com, on Instagram, or Bluesy. For more info, check out our articles on onlyabag.com and read our Substack Letters from the Balcony.Thanks so much for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel
In this episode we'll tell you all you need to know for visiting Positano. Is it really that expensive? Can you visit Positano on a budget? What is the best way to get there? What's the beach like? And more?From living in Italy and hearing what other people thought of Positano, we had specific expectations, but it wasn't exactly what we thought it would be. You'll have to listen to find out! In this episode we mention a few helpful links. Here are links Only a Bag's articles on Positano and the Amalfi Coast:How to get to Positano from RomeHow to get to the Amalfi Coast from Rome (strangely, not the same as Positano)3 Best Towns on the Amalfi Coast for FamiliesFor more check out our Amalfi Coast page on onlyabag.com.The ferry that we took from Salerno to Positano was with Travelmar. We highly recommend it! However, there are several different ferry companies, you can check them out on Omio* which acts as a ferry aggregate. Thank you so much for listening! If you'd like to learn more about traveling in Italy, check out our website onlyabag.com! If you have any questions about your trip, comments, or concerns, you can reach out through our website or Instagram. Please follow us wherever you listen to podcasts, on Instagram, Bluesky, and Substack! Links marked with an asterisk* are affiliate links. By using these links you are supporting Only a Bag. If you make a purchase through these links, you will not be charged extra, but Only a Bag will receive a small cut of the business's profit. Thanks for listening!xDarcy and Nathaniel
Just an hour south by car from the famed Amafi Coast is the lesser known (to anyone but Italians) Cilento Coast. The Amalfi Coast is incredible—there is a reason it's so heavily touristed. But let's be honest, it's packed with tourist and expensive! If you're looking for an Italian beach town with fewer tourists, more "Italian" Italian food, and protected forests and coastline, you're looking for the Cilento Coast. Plus, with fewer tourists, comes a smaller price tag. In this episode we'll tell you about a few of our favorite towns on this coast, how to get there, and what to do. The boat tours we mentioned in this episode are both based in Palinuro. Cilento Coast Company* (2.5 hr tour of the blue grotto, natural arch and more + two 20 min. swim stops)Cooperativa Palinuro Porto* (1.5 hr tour of the blue grotto, natural arch and more) If you're planning your trip via train or bus to the Cilento, we highly recommend that you book through Trenitalia. Few other sites have schedules and correct info for public transit from Naples or Salerno for instance, where you're likely coming from. We also mention Cilento Link in this episode which is a bus line you can use to get from town-to-town on the Cilento Coast. If you'd like to book a ferry, for instance from Salerno to Agropoli, you can use Ferry Hopper. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow us and leave a review! As always, if you have any questions, you can reach out on our website, on Instagram, and via email! You can also check out our new Substack for more whimsical articles. You can support Only a Bag by donating on Ko-fi to help us reach our goal of buying new mics!Links marked with an asterisk* are affiliate links. Using an affiliate link does not cost you extra, but the company gives us a small percentage of the sale which helps Only a Bag! Thanks for listening! xDarcy and Nathaniel
It's our 100th episode! We're celebrating by mixing things up a bit. In this episode we address some of the major headlines in the news about Italy and talk about what they mean for your trip this summer. We're talking about transportation strikes across the country and the increased price for public transit in Rome. We're also talking about new selfie rules at the Uffizi in Florence and cool things to see in Siena. We've got the info you need for your summer Italy trip 2025!In this episode, we mention two links that are easier to read and reference than a verbal list. - This is a full breakdown of Rome's ticket prices for public transit in Nathaniel's article on understanding Rome's public transportation system. - For info about strikes this July 2025, check out this link to a Wanted in Rome article and the official website for strike notices. If you can't read Italian, you'll need a translator app for the official site, which is of course, entirely in Italian, but the Wanted in Rome article has great info.- You can check-out our new Substack called Letters from the Balcony We're excited be celebrating 100th episode with you and are always happy to share our advice on traveling in Italy! If you have any questions, you can reach out on our website, on Instagram, and via email! Please check out our new Substack and if you enjoyed this episode, follow wherever you listen! You can also donate on Ko-fi to help us reach our goal of buying new mics.Thanks so much for listeningx Darcy and NathanielOnly a Bag
Everything you need to know for traveling to Rome in just over an hour! This is an update to an episode with a similar title we put out almost two years ago. In this episode we talk about whether Rome is safe, how to get there, getting around, three of our favorite markets, music festivals, and how to stay cool in the heat. Edit: In the episode we mention the app "Waidy Wow", it has a new name "Acquea."Acquea (formerly Waidy Wow): app for locating drinking fountains in RomeWe have lots of articles on onlyabag.com about Rome and general travel tips, but the essentials we mention in this episode are:How To Get From Rome's Fiumicino Airport To RomeHow To Get From Rome's CIA Airport To RomeGetting Around In Rome: The ATaC Transportation System If you're looking for a vacuum sealed water bottle, like we mention in this episode, or any sporting goods you can check out Decathlon. Here is a link to the Decathlon near Eataly which is the closest to the city center.As mentioned in the episode, the emergency phone numbers are 112 (general line) 113 (police)115 (fire)118 (medical/ambulance)As always, thank you all for listening! Only A BagInstagram (where you can follow and message us)Kofi (where we accept donations)
Overtourism has been in the news recently with protests in Spain, Portugal, and Italy as residents come together to resist the soon-to-be-coming wave of tourists this summer. While we also believe overtourism is a problem, we don't believe it's entirely the tourists' fault. So, how can you help? In this episode we offer seven pieces of advice that may help you be a more mindful tourist. Our goal is to encourage tourists to travel and benefit local communities rather than putting a strain on them. If you have any thoughts on overtourism, or if you have any questions either about Italy or your upcoming trip, you can find us on our website or on Instagram and Bluesky!If you'd like to support the podcast, you can do so by using our Booking.com link when booking your trip to Italy or anywhere! If you'd like to support us directly, you can donate to us on Ko-fi (pronounced "coffee"), linked here. As always, thank you for listening!
From getting there and getting around, to food and museums, we're covering everything you need to know for visiting Florence! How many museums can I see in one day? What is classic Fiorentini food? What's the best way to get to and from the airport? We'll answer all of that and more! Here are some helpful links that we mention in this episode:AT Bus App: App for purchasing tickets with the Autolinee Toscane (Tuscany bus company who runs public transit in Florence)The bus ticket office is here, near (but not inside of) the Santa Maria Novella train station.App Taxi: App for requesting a taxi in Florence (and other cities) There are two taxi companies in Florence, they are named after the last four digits of their phone numbers:4242: +39 055 42424390: +39 055 4390Firenze Card: Museum passMap of water fountains: this map loads quite slowly so you can also search "public water fountains" in Google MapsPublic drinking fountain in Piazza della SignoraMap of public bathrooms: keep in mind that these charge 50 cents to one euro to useIf you'd like to support the podcast, you can donate to us on Ko-fi (pronounced "coffee"), linked here. You can also support us by using our Booking.com link when booking your trip to Italy or anywhere! If you have any questions, you can find us on our website or on Instagram and Bluesky!Thank you for listening!
Does Florence have an off-season? What's it like on the south side of the city? Where can you find good food without having to spend €20 on a plate of pasta? Where can I look for leather goods that are high-quality? In this episode we answer those questions and more! After visiting Florence back in February we intended to record this episode in the winter, but alas we did not, so here it is now! It's going to be summer soon and the height of tourism, so stay tuned for next week's episode: Florence Condensed! We'll tell you the essentials for visiting Florence from transportation and food to museums and the David. The restaurants, bars, and cafes we mentioned in this episode are: On the south side of the Arno:Trattoria Sabatino - Via Pisana, 2R, 50143 Firenze FIFuor di Porta - Via Pisana, 29/r, 50143 Firenze FICircolo Rondinella del Torrino - Lungarno Soderini, 2, 50124 Firenze FILa Cité - Borgo S. Frediano, 20/R, 50124 Firenze FIPiazza Santo Spirito (this is a piazza with many bars/cafes) - 50125 Firenze FIOn the north side of the Arno:Trattoria Le Mossacce - Via del Proconsolo, 55r, 50122 Firenze FICaffè Gilli - Via Roma, 1r, 50123 Firenze FIIl Mercato Centrale - Piazza del Mercato Centrale, Via dell'Ariento, 50123 Firenze FIVino Divino - (Neri is the name of the lovely owner) Via Taddea, 6, 50123 Firenze FI Da' Vinattieri - Via Santa Margherita, 4/6r, 50122 Firenze FIThe leather school we mention is called Scuola del Cuoio - Via di S. Giuseppe, 5/R, 50122 Firenze FIThe roads Darcy mentioned with artisan and antique shops are Via Lambertesca, on the north side of the Arno, and Via Santo Spirito/Borgo San Frediano, on the south side of the Arno. As you walk over the Ponte Vecchio to the south you will end up on Via de' Guicciardini which is the road infant of the Pitti Palace, there are several great shops there as well and closer to the tourist attractions. If you'd like to support the podcast, you can donate to us on Ko-fi (pronounced "coffee"), linked here. You can also support us by using our Booking.com link when booking your trip to Italy or anywhere! If you have any questions, you can find us on our website or on Instagram and Bluesky!Thank you so much for listening!
Trigger 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 irresponsible to encourage you all to visit and stay while only talking about the beautiful coast, rich history, and incredible food. We want to tell you the good and the bad. You may notice that I (Darcy) say "uh" and "um" a lot in the beginning of this episode. I was fairly nervous to talk about these topics, because they are serious and heavy issues, unlike our typical lighthearted episodes. I hope it doesn't take you out of the episode and I appreciate your understanding!If you are experiencing violence or stalking you can call 1522 where you can reach professionals who are trained to help victims of violence and stalking. They also have an online chat and app. This hotline is multilingual and available 24/7. If you are in an emergency call 122, which will connect you to an operator for police, ambulance, and fire (it's like the US's 911 or the UK's 999). More resources:Vita di Donne is a great resource for women's health. They have articles and further recourses for assistances well as a hotline as well as emergency numbers for the morning-after pill and gynecology services. Artemisia Anti Violence Center has resources for women and children who have been or are experiencing abuse. Arcigay is an overarching organization made up of 72 associations and committees across the country who fight for LGBTQ+ rights in Italy. We'd love to hear from you! You can reach out to us on our website Only a Bag and on Instagram. If you would like to donate to us, you can do so at ko-fi.com/onlyabag. Thank you all so much for listening!
In 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, you can use our affiliate links to book your rental car through Booking.com and DiscoverCars.com.And if you'd like to donate, you can do so at our Ko-fi (pronounced "coffee"), linked here. If you have any questions, you can find us on our website or on Instagram and Bluesky!Thanks so much for listening!
Looking 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 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 to donate, you can do so at our Ko-fi (pronounced "coffee"), linked here. If you have any questions, you can find us on our website or on Instagram and Bluesky!Thank you so much for listening!
It 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 for saying something that someone else might take as slander. Though in case it isn't crystal clear from this episode: Fascism = Bad and Italy allowing those elements to forment and grow in power = Really Bad. In this episode we mention a bakery, but didn't have in our notes the exact quote. The bakery is called "L'assalto ai Forni" or "The assault on the ovens" in Ascoli Piceno.The original quote on their sign for Liberation Day was "25 aprile: buono come il pane, bello come l'antifascismo" meaning "April 25: as good as bread, as beautiful as anti-fascism." If there's any part of this episode you'd like to know more about, please don't hesitate to reach out and ask! And for those of you who prefer to just listen to episodes about what to see and where to eat, fear not! We shall return to those soon, we just wanted to wrap up the "Living in Italy" segment first. Thank you for listening!Only a Bagonlyabag.comko-fi.com/onlyabag
Deviating 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 to donate, you can do so at our Ko-fi (pronounced "coffee"), linked here. Thank you so much for listening! WebsiteInstagramBluesky
To 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 here. In this episode we mention the list of "highly skilled" jobs that you must fall into to be approved for the digital nomad visa. You can find the list on the official government website here. At the beginning of this episode we mention the sad news of the passing of Pope Francis on Monday, April 21. We also touch on how the recently announced (and unrelated) Venice tourist tax could affect your travel this summer. Plus, we received a very helpful tip from a listener after last week's episode. They pointed out that, in March, Italy announced a decree which could affect the Jus Sanginis (or birthright visa) requirements. We will keep you updated with that as the final decision will be made in May. If you'd like to support the podcast you can donate to us on Ko-fi. This fund will help us buy new equipment for the podcast, like new mics! For more information or to contact us you can go to onlyabag.com!Thank you all so much for listening!
Jure 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 or abolish it. We will update you all on it as it progresses! More of our mini-series "How To Live In Italy!" In this episode we talk about three of the major pathways to citizenship in Italy; the golden visa, elective residency visa (often called "the retirement visa"), and birthright citizenship (Jus Sanginis). Is the golden visa just for the uber rich? Sort of. Do I have to be of "retirement age" to apply for the elective residency visa? And finally, you've been told your whole life "we're Italian!" or maybe you just found out on an ancestry test, so how do you claim citizenship? We'll answer all of those question and more in this episode. We touched on the so called "retirement visa" in a previous episode, How To Live In Italy: Work Visa and Retirement Visa, but we wanted to mention it again because it can be a great option for people with outside income who are looking to live in Italy. And because *spoiler* there is no age restriction. For more info, 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!If you'd like to support the podcast you can donate to us on Ko-fi. This fund will help us buy new equipment for the podcast, like new mics!Thank you all so much for listening!
We 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 this episode we mentioned several restaurants which were all amazing! Here's where we ate:Lunch: Da Nonna Rosa (Via Lucana, 166, 75100 Matera MT)Drinks: Monkey Drink House (Via Duomo, 9, 75100 Matera MT)Dinner: Osteria al Casale (Via Madonna delle Virtù, 29, 75100 Matera MT)Gelato: I Vizi degli Angeli (Via Domenico Ridola, n.36, 75100 Matera MT)Forno (bread shop): Panificio Paoluccio (Via del Corso, 22, 75100 Matera MT)Cafe/pastry shop: Bar Caffè Tripoli (Piazza Vittorio Veneto, 17, 75100 Matera MT)The entrance to the hike across the Gravina (ravine) is here. Thanks so much for listening! You can check out articles on onlyabag.com with new articles coming out all the time. You can help the podcast by using our affiliate links for booking hotels and rental cars! 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.
Picking 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.
Traveling 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.
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