An Italian Summer: Aperol & Amalfi

The dream of Amalfi in the summertime. There is nothing quite like it.

I left work on Friday to catch a flight to Europe, just in time for my sister, friends, and I to explore the Italian coastline.

We landed in Naples and headed straight for the pizza and Pompeii.

The logistics of planning an Amalfi Coast tour are not the easiest when looking at a map.

None of us know how to drive a manual car and the roads of small town Italy are not so forgiving to those who are not great with directions… aka, me. This called for a preplanned transfer from Naples, with a stop in Pompeii, then over to Ravello.

All I can say is, Ravello is worth the winding roads and unorganized planning. Living a life straight out of a fairytale.

Up next: Happy Hour at the Palazzo Avino. This place is nothing short of extraordinary. I could sit on the patio all day and the view would never fully sink in. Having the opportunity to sit alongside two of my greatest friends while sipping spritz was the epitome of “living our best lives”. Time with good people is good for the soul.

We then worked our way backwards along the coast to Sorrento. Gelato, shopping side streets, views and Aperol. The Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria offered it all.

Split a pizza with friends at Ristorante Zi Ntonio and Limoncello Spritz at La Cazzarola Trattoria by the sea. The authentic cuisine, atmosphere, and experience at each location is nothing short of phenomenal.

The fastest weekend in the books.

Quick boat day to Capri & finished our adventure on the island of Ischia.

Checking in at the San Montano Resort & Spa! My friends & I swam in all 9 thermal pools and made a home for the night in the most postcard-perfect palace. This dreamy hotspot is quiet compared to Capri and is a hidden gem.

With such a short period of time, there is so much left to do & see. Same time next year, Amalfi?

Weekend in the City of Lights

A solo weekend in Paris. This has been a lifelong dream of mine & one I thought would be far out of reach. Here we are, taking a flight from DFW to ATL to CDG, alone & only 23 years old. This is going to be fun.

See the Weekend Warrior Instagram to follow along.

Landing in Paris was not real until spotting the Eiffel Tower.

The most wonderful rush of pure bliss & excitement.

I was on a mission to find the best croissants and explore as much I could in 1.5 days. No plans in sights, I checked in to The Westin Paris - Vendôme & headed for Yves Saint Laurent At The Louvre

6 miles later…

I had a collection of snacks & was ready for a picnic. I found a lovely spot under the Eiffel Tower & enjoyed the beautiful brie, baguettes, and berries of France.

There is so much growth in solo travel. I found that instead of being afraid of this world, I want to absorb all of the goodness that it has to offer. Bask in the present moment and marvel at the idea of new experiences. Is it hard? Yes. It is worth it? Yes. Is it often uncomfortable? YES. Eating alone in a restaurant for the first time made me nervous beyond belief. Pair all of this with no ability to speak a single word in French, let’s just say it was interesting.

I learned to be anchored in the depths that go far deeper than the human eye can see. The power we hold when we believe in ourselves.

Find a flight deal, book the ticket. It is always worth it. Life is always worth it.

Paris, I love you. What a short & sweet whirlwind of an adventure.

xx, Darby Day