I’ve talked before about making this your best year ever, but how can you really do that? One idea involves spending a month in Rome. I’m thinking about having a year full of experiences: meeting new people, exploring new and old places, but at a slower pace.
In the past, my road trips have been quick, barely staying in one spot for more than a few days. This approach is fine for seeing popular tourist sites, but it means missing the unique, intimate details of a place.
When I spent a month in New York, I saw a whole new side of the city. I joined local yoga classes, people-watched in Washington Park, walked around the city, and went to local concerts. By the end of my stay, I wanted to live there. I had a similar experience in London, discovering hidden streets and quaint boutiques while enjoying the beautiful parks. Traveling slowly like this really lets you experience the magic of a place.
Considering Tim Ferriss’s idea of staying in one place for three months to master a new skill, one month might not be enough for some places. Inspired by Ferriss, I started an online business that I can run from anywhere, giving me the flexibility to travel. I’ve also set up my home as an Air B&B to help fund my travels.
At the moment, I’m preparing for Rome and thinking about the versatility of outfits. Since the weather can be unpredictable, dressing in layers is key. I went for a casual chic look with a light shirt jacket, jeans, and comfortable walking shoes, which are essential for exploring parks.
Traveling and gaining these experiences could be the key to a fantastic year. Currently, my home base is the small village of Luz in Portugal. Although I will miss it, I am excited about new experiences. My husband, however, doesn’t worry because he knows we’ll return.
I’m looking forward to discovering Rome again. Though I’ve visited before as a tourist, staying longer will allow me to experience the city more deeply. I plan to live like a local, sitting on the Spanish Steps and enjoying daily pasta. I’m eager to soak in the Italian style once more, recalling how impressed I was during my time in Bologna 30 years ago. The Passeggiata, the traditional slow Sunday stroll to see and be seen, is something I hope to experience again.
Will I fall in love with Rome as much as I did with Bologna? I plan to document what I see and share it with you. I’ll also show you what I packed for this trip in a future article. Recording these moments will be a challenge, as I prefer to be in the moment rather than making videos, but it will be worth it for the memories.
Stay tuned for updates, and follow me on Instagram if you’d like to see more day-to-day experiences. I’ll keep you posted.
If you’re curious about my travel outfits or what I packed, check out my article on how to pack for Rome in November. My style choices include Paige jeans, Stella Carakasi tops, Zara shirt jackets, and Lowa walking boots for comfort and style.
Have you been to Rome? What places are on your must-visit list? How do you envision your best year ever?