I’m writing this from a trip to Italy with our kids, my first time back to the island of Capri since our honeymoon 23 years ago (!). I love this place so much and can’t think of anywhere that I’ve ever been that’s more beautiful (all those flowers along every archway and stone path). To be able to share this with our kids is a dream come true for me.
I put together a list of some things that made the trip better — from sanity-saving tips to organization to style and sentimental ideas. I hope you enjoy this list and that it’s helpful for the next trip you are planning.
1. I Planned One Splurge Day
Italy is expensive and all the activities and meals can really add up. On this trip, I chose one day to really go all-out on something extravagant and truly special (and because it was just one day, it made it easier to rationalize in my mind). The other days, we did things that were more affordable, less planned, and more lowkey.
For our big day, we hired a boat to take us to a new beach club that just opened on the Amalfi Coast, Le Sirenuse Mare. We had so much fun having a fancy lunch and swimming with green striped inner tubes! Then the boat picked us up and took us around to the sights. Bri and the kids swam in the ocean. I sat on the boat and made them pose for photos. It was a very special memory and one of the best days of the trip.
2. I Compartmentalized Stress
I once went to a therapist who told me that it’s ok to put worries aside on vacation. She actually gave me permission to take a pause from the stressful things in my life for the few days I take to step away from it each year. Minus one blip where I burst into sobs about the weight of some heavy things in my life and Brian comforted me, I tried to stick to this rule on my trip. There really are other times for worrying. In Capri, I tried my hardest not to.*
*Ok, I’ll admit, I also shed one tear on the terrifying chair lift up to the highest point of the island. It was a very odd experience to be at once so serene and also feel like I was in extreme peril.
3. I Got Some Fancy Sunglasses
Before I left NYC, I blinged out on a new pair of sunglasses. Never will there be as much bang for your buck as a really good pair of sunglasses. I’m not usually a logo girl, but when in Rome (Capri)…
These things made me feel put together and fashionable every moment of the trip no matter what I was wearing.
4. I Collected Small Souvenirs For Friends and Colleagues
I like to be on the hunt for small treasures to bring home to delight the people in my life. Something that’s pretty or unique, small but considered and thoughtful. I found these glass fish bracelets I love, as well as some cute leather shamrock and lemon key chains. The shamrock is my favorite because I truly do believe in good luck charms!
5. I Planned Every Outfit Ahead Of Time
I took pictures of each outfit I planned to wear on the floor of my bedroom before I left for my trip, like I always do. It helps the editing process and is a nice guide for when I’m on my trip. I packed in just a carry-on and was very pleased with the things I brought along. I wrote all about my packing list in last week’s letter.
Lots of quickly taken snaps of outfits laid out on the floor turned into ensembles I really liked wearing during the trip. A few of my favs below:
Similarly, I brought along a few high-impact styling items that gave my outfits a bit of pizzazz. Did I just write pizzazz?! This crochet kerchief was something I wore many days. It looks kind of stupid on my particular head so I like to wear it around my waist. And my candy necklace was impactful too.
My wardrobe heroes included this skirt I wore multiple times, this pretty top, the best beach cover-up/dress, block-printed trousers, these new sandals and a smocked skirt and smocked top.
6. I Brought Film Cameras
I brought two disposable cameras (one color film and one black and white). I can’t wait to get the pictures developed once I’m back home. The best way to relive a wonderful time.
7. I Did Several Practical Things that Kept Me Organized and Work at Bay, Helping Me to Enjoy My Trip More
I took out a bunch of euros at my bank before I left for my trip. Usually you have to go to the bank and order the cash but my local branch happened to have them in stock when I went. I liked knowing I wouldn’t have to scramble to find an ATM, had cash for tips, etc etc.
I brought travel adaptors for each family member and a good battery pack. A boring but crucial tip!
I printed out hard copies of every single confirmation for our trip (in order!) and carried them in this genius clear pouch with Velcro fastener.
I got help from the concierge with reservations. There was zero hassle making reservations this way. I usually do it myself but this time, I didn’t. And it made the trip so much easier.
I put an ‘out of office’ reply on my work email and on my personal email and it really cut down on so much correspondence. I usually forget to do this but I’m so glad that I did.
8. I Packed My Trusty Mini Fan
My amazing friend Susie likes to send friends clever and extravagant little surprises. One time after I had surgery, it was a sampler of amazing food from Meadow Lane, another time a gratitude journal. This girl once had a frigging Gohar apron messengered to my house when she couldn’t make a party I was hosting! One of my favorite things she ever sent me was this sleek rechargeable fan. Now I bring it on my trips. A game changer on a stifling funicolare!
9. I Brought Home A Memento
I brought home a small stone that I found on the rocky beach at Bagni Internazionali and I want to paint it with the location and year and a little motif to remember the trip by. I am quite bummed I didn’t have this idea until my kids were literally 19 years old! If I had only had this idea sooner, I would have quite the collection by now. But I’m hoping that someone reading this will take this idea and run with it because I think it’s very sweet.
Do you have any kind of keepsake tradition like this? I’d love more inspo!
10. I Visited Places Where The Locals Shop
I was able to bring back special garment care sheets that my Italian friend Sarah Sclarandis (a fellow shoe designer) hoped I could find for her. They are only sold in Italy. It made me very happy when I found them because she is such a generous person I am always happy to do something for her. I also like to make a point to visit local hardware stores or similar when I travel. Sometimes you can find the best random stuff there!
And one thing I did that didn’t make my trip better? I forgot to pack thread to use to finish my needlepoint project. Nowhere on the entire island does it seem like anyone sells a simple spool of thread. Ugh.
Because I’m writing this from the road, I don’t have my “5 Things I’m Loving This Week.” But I am working on several other letters, possibly one that includes my Wanderlog from this trip if anyone is interested?
What are you loving this week?
And One Thing I Hate:
It has to be my husband’s ironic orthopedic looking sandals. That he wears WITH SOCKS. It reminds me of this meme from the Simpsons.
I asked Bri for permission to include this as my ‘one thing I hate’ and he said, “Of course! Half the reason I even wear these things is just to mess with you.”
Happy 23rd Anniversary, Bri!
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