Asking for your help!

Asking a favor and reciprocating as well. . .It dawned on us that our subscribers are a seasoned group of travelers that could be a big help to us. Please give us some ideas, tips and great advice for our next trip!

Mrs. E and I have been working on the ground portion of our trip to Italy later this fall (Covid-permitting). We’ve got the framework set: Fly into Rome, go directly to Positano for three nights. Next, take the ferry to Ischia for a five-night stay on the beach. Then it’s back to Rome for five nights before flying home.

Photo courtesy of Hotel Villa Franca, Positano, Italy

When we’re in Positano, we’re staying at the Hotel Villa Franca, way up at the top.  We thought we’d hang around Positano one day and take a nice boat ride up or down the coast the next day.  In Ischia, we’re thinking lots of beach and pool time, a visit to one of the island’s wineries, and perhaps a day trip over to Procida.

When in Rome. . .a visit to the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museum is already booked.  We’re also thinking St. Peter’s and the Borghese Galleries. (We’ve already toured the Colosseum.)  Mrs. E, who is also an “exceptional shopper,” is insisting on sampling some of Rome’s finest shopping, so that is a priority for one of the days.  One night, we’ll join the evening passeggiata (stroll) to see the Piazza Navona and the Trevi Fountain.  We’re staying at the Westin Excelsior, which is where I stayed with my grandparents on my first trip to Italy, 51 years ago.

We would very much appreciate your advice on your favorite spots in these wonderful places.  Please let us know your favorite restaurants, churches, tours, great shops. . .or maybe it’s a special neighborhood, beach, winery, or bar for an afternoon aperitivo!  Drop a comment in the section below or send us an email at phil@theexceptionaltraveler.com.  Thanks!

Roman sunset.  Photo by Francesco Maria Achille on Unsplash

In return. . .tell us where your next trip (or trips) will take you, and we’ll chime in with some advice of our own.  If we’ve been there, it might be our favorite tour or hotel or place to visit.  If not, we’ll give you some examples of how to fly or stay for little or no cost using points or miles.  We’re always happy to help you think about your own travel.  Let us know if you’d like to keep it private or if we can include it in a post.  If we post it, we won’t use your name or any dates, but this may encourage additional advice from one of our other seasoned-traveler subscribers.

Grazie per tutti!