Kimberly's Italy - TopPodcast.com

Latest Episodes:

Quick Update from Kimberley's Italy Jun 26, 2023

Show notes

In this quick update from Kimberley's Italy, Tomasso talks about why he had to delay the mini-episode on Sunday. He says he spent a lot of time researching the cybersecurity risks of traveling and was shocked by the numbers of attempts to hack phones. Tomasso emphasizes that it's not a question of if but when someone will try to hack you while traveling and emphasizes the need to be prepared. He promises to provide a comprehensive episode on cybersecurity and connectivity while abroad, uploaded on Friday, giving listeners information on the risks involved and practical solutions.

103. Getting Your Phone Ready for Italy Jun 23, 2023

Show notes

To save money and keep your phone secure while traveling in Italy, Tommaso recommends preparing your phone before you leave. Tommaso outlines the importance of updating your operating system and apps, as well as turning off background processes to avoid overpaying for bandwidth.

Additionally, he advises getting your children's phones locked down to prevent potential security risks. The episode offers helpful tips for travelers looking to stay connected without breaking the bank.

102. To SIM or Not to SIM: Navigating Mobile Data Abroad Jun 21, 2023

Show notes

Tomasso takes the reigns in this episode to introduce connecting and cyber hygiene while traveling in Italy.

In the next two episodes he will also provide helpful tips on how to avoid unexpected costs and issues, such as getting your phone ready for travel and deciding whether to use a SIM card or your mobile provider's travel data services.

By following Tommaso's best practices, travelers can minimize their risk of being hacked or encountering unpleasant surprises on their trip.

Ciao! Ciao!

101. Florence's Fab Alternatives to the Crowds Jun 14, 2023

Show notes

It's June 14th, 2023 and Florence is very crowded today. It's actually quite crowded almost every day of the entire tourist season, yet people love this gorgeous city so much, they continue to flock to it regardless of what people like me say!

Therefore, we are sharing a few alternative ideas of how you can still become a Florentine groupie / lover / fanatic of this intoxicating Tuscan city.

First thing you can do is change your sleeping habits while on vacation! Get up really early, or stay up very late, and take Florence in with minimal people blocking your view of all the beauty this city has to offer. You will thank us for this suggestion after you have done just that!

Get in touch, lets talk about a magical trip!

https://www.kimberlysitaly.com

100. A look back on the Greatest Hits from the first 99 episodes Jun 07, 2023

Show notes

We are not sure that other podcasts celebrate their 100th episode, but we are! We are so grateful to all our listeners from 132 countries around the globe, that we decided to celebrate you!

We have compiled a few clips that summarizes our friendly and funny vibe, which is both enlightening and helpful. And apparently, we have started a new trend of Wednesday Date Nights with Kimberly's Italy! So make a pasta, have a glass of vino and enjoy a few of our "greatest hits".

Essentially, we are delighted to carry on and share our love of all things Italian for another couple of hundred episodes!

Grazie mille amici! Kimberly and Tommaso

I am Kimberly Holcombe and I am a travel planner and lover of all things Italian. I lived in Italy for six years as a fashion photographer, and fell head over heels for the people and the culture. I plan private trips to anywhere in Italy for individuals, couples, families and small groups of friends.

Get in touch, lets talk about a magical trip!

https://www.kimberlysitaly.com

99. Why not visit Piemonte? It's amazing! May 31, 2023

Show notes

So what if Piemonte (Piedmont) isn't on the Greatest Hits list? That alone makes it worthy of being added to your itinerary! The average global tourist goes to Venice, Florence and Rome, and while they may love it, they have no idea that the capital city of Piemonte (Torino) can rival the competition with it's rich history, architecture and cuisine.

And we haven't even mentioned the vino! Piemonte is the wine lover's secret soft spot. The Nebbiolo grapes that give birth to Barolo, rivals the Brunellos and the Vino Nobiles, yet don't just take our word for it, go taste it on your own.

Piemonte is a diverse region that offers a northern cuisine, bold wines, a rich history, and once you throw in the beauty of the Alps, it's really hard to beat!

Get in touch, lets talk about a magical trip!

https://www.kimberlysitaly.com

98. Chocolate, whipped cream + espresso? Si! May 24, 2023

Show notes

The locals in Torino start their day with a medley of espresso, chocolate and whipped cream which is called Bicerin. Perhaps this why the Torinese are so happy! Or maybe it's because their region of Piemonte is home to the White Truffle, which allows them to end their day with truffles shaved over their hand made pasta called Tajarin. Who wouldn't want to live in Torino?

The Torinese have had a long history with chocolate (close to 500 years) and used to mix it into their meat dishes and even pasta (!). Their obsession with chocolate eventually led to the invention of Nutella, which became a staple for breakfast amongst children in Italy.

Tajarin is another regional favorite – a handmade and hand cut pasta made with an abundant amount of egg yolks. It looks slightly different, but it tastes divine when a butter and sage sauce is folded in and truffles are ever so delicately shaved on top. Again, who wouldn't want to live in Torino?

Get in touch, lets talk about a magical trip!

https://www.kimberlysitaly.com

97. Torino - Famous for Fiat, Chocolate and less crowds! May 17, 2023

Show notes

The capital city of the Piemonte region offers so much culturally, architecturally, and agriculturally (think wine and cuisine) and perhaps the best thing it offers, is definitely less crowds than Venice, Florence and Rome.

Torino benefited from a rich history of regal residents over the centuries that bestowed the city with a multitude of palaces, 14 of which are under Unesco status. Palazzo Reale and Venaria Reale are higlighted in this episode.

There is also the legendary story of Gianni Agnelli and the Fiat Automobile company whose Torino factory has produced these iconic cars since 1899.

Gianni Agnelli, the debonair and very well tanned grandson took over in the 1960's and brought yet more attention to his beloved birthplace of Torino.

Tourists from around the world do indeed visit Torino, but not to the extent the other “Greatest Hits” cities, and that alone should make you want to visit .

Venaria Reale Palace

https://lavenaria.it/en

Palazzo Reale Palace

https://museireali.beniculturali.it

Get in touch, lets talk about a magical trip!

https://www.kimberlysitaly.com

96. How AI and Technology is Complicating Your Travel Planning May 10, 2023

Show notes

Our intention is not to to alarm you, but instead to help you understand what is on the horizon with AI (aka, Artificial Intelligence) when it comes to dealing with your travel to bel'Italia. It's all happening quite fast in every realm of life, but large travel conglomerates like Expedia Group and Booking Holdings are incorporating AI to make your travel planning that much more difficult, frustrating, and most importantly, more expensive.

These two behemoth corporations, basically own almost every single online travel company, thereby eliminating competition. Do not believe their hype that AI will make their services more “personalized”.... and to you our friends, that is the sole purpose for this episode...

Link to the article in the Atlantic:

https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2023/05/hotel-booking-sites-junk-fees-travel/673898/

95. Siena's Amazing ( and Crazy!!) Race May 03, 2023

Show notes

Imagine this...since 1659, ten horses and ten riders race bareback around the perimeter of the Piazza del Campo, three times at breakneck speed, on a narrow track packed with clay. The horses are blessed beforehand, and somehow 30,000 people fit into the piazza to cheer on their team representing their contrada (neighborhood).

This is Siena's most treasured event, so much so, that they do it twice each summer, on July 2nd and August 16th. Horse racing in Siena started in 1232, and clearly the popularity has not waned. It's a sight to see with the locals colorful costumes representing each contrada, and those fearless horses and riders – it all makes for a very memorable visit to Siena.

Museum Santa Maria Della Scalla

https://www.santamariadellascala.com

Link to watercolorist Geremia Cerri's Show in Siena

https://www.facebook.com/events/949146343169810/?ref=newsfeed

Ciao, Ciao!!