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Wine Tasting in Tuscany, San VIto

By: Unknown on 9:00 PM / comment : 0 featured, Italy, my travels, outfit, study abroad, style, Tuscany

To really see, experience, and taste Tuscany you can't just visit Florence or Siena, you must venture into the countryside. There is nothing quite like the charming countryside of Tuscany. And one of the best ways to experience this charm is to visit or stay in an "agriturismo."

Agriturismi dot the countryside surrounding Siena and Florence. They are typically small agricultural farms that grow grapes, olives, and/or other agricultural products. Most of these estates produce limited runs of their own wine and olive oil, which you can taste or purchase. Some are small B&Bs while others are larger luxurious estates with amazing amenities for a relaxing weekend away.

You can't go wrong with any agriturismo in Tuscany. All are small operations that focus on producing quality local and traditional foodstuffs, and since they are farm-to-table (and many of them are also organic), the meals (and wine) are amazing!

I have been fortunate to stay in several agriturismi over the course of my years in Italy. Tentuta San Vito is an estate that I have been visiting with students for more than 6 years. Located just over a half-hour outside of Florence, it is perfect for a quick afternoon trip. We take students to learn about their organic wine and olive oil production. After touring the estate and cellars, students get to sample several of San Vito's unique wines (the Madiere Tuscan red is my favorite) while eating a homemade farm-to-table meal overlooking acres of vineyards. As you can see from the photos the estate is stunning and so very Tuscan.

For the occasion I wore this fluid bell-sleeve dress. The weather was perfect -- a slight breeze with just a hint of spring chill left in the air. I loved the way the wind would catch the lightweight fabric of this dress. It is so hard to find comfortable and easy to wear dresses that are still flattering, so when I do, I scoop them up. I'm so happy I grabbed this one on sale just before I left and I am even happier with how it captured the feeling of San Vito's gorgeous estate for what will likely be our last taste of spring.

Florence: My Home Away From Home

By: Unknown on 9:00 PM / comment : 0 featured, florence, lifestyle, my travels, study abroad

I am so happy to be back in Florence. Although it seems like it has been a year (in reality it has only been 4 months since I left). After spending all last year living in Florence, it is a bit surreal to be back.

I am living on the opposite side of town, which makes it feel like a completely different world. Everything is the same but different. Of course, that is what Tampa felt like when I returned last December.

Working with students again has been exhausting but exhilarating. I forgot how much fun it was to experience Florence through their eyes. I think the experience of being abroad has already rocked their world, we even had one student who had never been on a plane before (you can read why I am such a fan of study abroad here). Some of them are really into taking photos, which is basically a dream come true for me.

The group is large (60+ people), but so fun (one of my students even joked that he was going to start a blog Museums and Manpris, as in capris for men lol). They have great attitudes and are generally excited and interested in seeing and learning about everything. We have been here less than a week, but we have already climbed the Duomo, ventured into the countryside (more on that soon), visited some churches, hiked to Piazzale Michelangelo, and sampled lots of local food and wine (you can follow our adventures on Snapchat - HinHH).

The group had a bit of trouble adjusting to traveling in such a large group at the start, but they are coming around nicely (you can read my advice for traveling in a group here). Our schedule for the month is intense. The goal is to give them a taste of everything Italy has to offer. That means we are go, go, go -- Siena this Friday, Amalfi next week, Venice the week after that, followed by day trips in Montepulciano and Pienza before heading to Rome (all with classes in Florence sprinkled in between). I am already tired, but it is so worth it. They remind me why I love teaching and working with study abroad.

What to Pack if You're Traveling or Studying Abroad This Summer

By: Unknown on 9:00 PM / comment : 0 featured, packing, study abroad, summer, Travel Tips

From this list, I can make 36 unique outfits. Don't believe me? Check it out.


I hope this helps ease your packing anxiety. And please share if you're headed somewhere fabulous this summer. I promise to share my plans soon!

When to Start Packing for a Trip Abroad

By: Unknown on 9:00 PM / comment : 0 featured, packing, study abroad, travel, Travel Tips

Why is packing so stressful? I actually love the challenge, but the number one question I get asked from students and readers is "what should I pack for my summer/semester/vacation abroad?" This question is as impossible to answer as my other least favorite question, "how much should I budget?" Both answers depend entirely on the individual. I can, however, give this piece of advice - pack half of what you think you need and double your spending money!

But seriously, I get it. Packing for a trip abroad is difficult, especially if you've never been abroad and don't know exactly what to expect culturally or weather-wise. My experience speaks mostly to Italy and Europe, but you could certainly follow this advice for other destinations.


2 Months Prior to Departure:
Research your destination's average weather conditions. Is it rainy? Hot? Cold? You also want to check for cultural expectations/restrictions regarding clothing. For example, to visit churches in Italy you need to cover your shoulders and, in many cases, skirts need to hit the knee (no shorts!).


1 Month Prior to Departure:
Lay out the clothing you want to pack. This will help you identify items you might be missing. Compare your laid-out wardrobe to your itinerary and make sure the items you have selected are functional for your trip. You also want to focus on items that you can mix and match. Finally, once you have a good idea of the articles of clothing you want to bring (or need to get), start selecting shoes. Make sure they are comfortable and functional, not just stylish. Your goal is to identify a limited number of shoes that you have (or need to purchase) that will go with every thing you pack (the same is true for purses) and work for every activity on your itinerary.

If you really want to be an expert packer, I suggest taking the time to photograph each item and/or outfit. That way you can see exactly how you can mix and match and how many outfits you can make from what you have packed. It also helps you identity less-functional or versatile items.

By doing this a month before you depart, you have enough time to pick up any articles of clothing or shoes you might need (and the necessary time to break those shoes in!).


2 Weeks Prior to Departure:
I like to do a dry run pack about 2 weeks prior to departure. This ensures that everything you want to bring will fit in your luggage and make sure your bag isn't over weight (here are my tricks for dropping your bag's weight). By doing this two weeks before, you have the time to rethink or reduce the number of items you've packed if need be. Trust me, this is not something you want to stress over the night before departure. I also recommend investing in some packing cubes, which you can read more about here.


1 Week Prior to Departure:
Use your last week before you depart to make sure everything you are packing is washed and ready to go. I like to slowly add everything to my bag that week, rather than marathon it the night before. It is also a good idea to make a list of everything you want to pack and cross off each item as you go (you can read my carry-on packing list here and an example of how I pack my carry on here). Leave this list at home in case anything happens to your bag and you need a record of everything you packed for your insurance company or airline. You also want to check the weather one last time to ensure you are prepared.

Click here for an example of a summer in Europe packing capsule.

Buon viaggio! And please leave any questions or tips below if you have them.

History in High Heel's (Ultimate) Florence Map Guide

By: Unknown on 9:00 PM / comment : 0 featured, florence, florenceguide, study abroad, travel

Ok, I finally did it. I created one comprehensive map of Florence with all of my favorite coffee stops, restaurants, must-see museums, and even good photo ops (and much more). Even though these custom Google maps can be a bit time consuming to create, they are completely worth it. You end up with an interactive map that you can view (on or offline) while traveling. They also allow for constant updates, that way I can quickly add new places of interest and keep the map current. I plan on adding more to this map over the next couple of months so stay tuned (my next goal is to add walks).

I am flying to St. Louis this weekend to meet with this summer's group of students studying abroad with the program I work for. So, now seemed like the perfect time to put this map together. I am excited to meet this year's group. It is amazing to be apart of someone's first experience abroad.

I know there are also lots of people planning summer vacations, hopefully you will find this map helpful too. Despite being home just three months, Florence feels like a lifetime ago, and I am itching to return for the summer. I think I am addicted to Florence.

You can access the map here, and you can learn more about custom Google maps here.

And here are some of my top Florence posts:
My Road Trip Through Tuscany
If You Only Have One Day in Florence
How to Drink Coffee Like an Italian

What to Pack if You're Studying Abroad This Spring

By: Unknown on 9:00 PM / comment : 0 featured, packing, Spring, study abroad

I have officially been home from my year abroad for two weeks. As I unpack my two massive suitcases, I have been reflecting on 1) how difficult it was to pack for (what turned into) a year abroad, and 2) what I got right and what I should have left behind.

Like everyone who packs for a long-term sojourn abroad, I brought more than I needed. I was happy that I made space for several coats in different patterns, colors, and weights. Honestly, in the cold and cooler months, your coat is all you see. I also wore a ton of dresses and skirts with tights. I didn't need as many jeans or denim-varieties because of this. I also packed too many super warm and wooly sweaters. While I was thankful for these when I was in Austria and Hungary in the winter, I didn't really wear them in Florence since I invested in a good wool coat and scarf.

Unfortunately, there is no master list for what to pack for three months abroad. Generally, I advise people to cut their number of days traveling in half and pack that number of outfits (so for 80 days, you want to pack 40 pieces/outfits). If you stick to a color scheme, you should have no problem making another set of complete outfits (you can see an example of this here).


Here is a basic breakdown of what you should pack if you're studying abroad this spring:

1. Rain Jacket (with hood, and make sure it is water resistant, this sounds like a given, but it's not). My favorite Barbour rain coat is currently on sale!
2. Wool or Heavy Coat (for colder months, i.e. January and February, even March can be chilly depending on where you are studying). If you want to embrace your inner European fashionista, go for something with a bold pattern (like this one) or a bright color (like this one).
3. Puffer Vest (these are great for layering for extra warmth in cold months or to wear over a light sweater in the spring). I love this one.
4. Jeans - 1 medium and 1 dark wash (I would also mix up the styles. For example, a light wash pair of relaxed boyfriend jeans, a medium wash straight-leg jean, and a skinny dark wash jean.)
5. Versatile Tops (in varying sleeve length and fabric weight)
6. Sweaters (make sure at least one is a cardigan)
7. Skirts and/or Dresses (make sure they can be layered with tights or boots)
8. Pants (maybe a pair of colored denim, dressier trousers, or patterned pants)
9. Shorts (you can't go wrong if one of these is denim)
10. Tights (they are the easiest way to transition into cooler weather)
11. Pjs, Loungewear, and/or Workout Wear (I always regret not bringing more lounge wear)
12. Bras, Underwear, and Socks
13. A Great Hat (adds instant style and can be worn on the plane)

*Remember fun scarves and accessories can easily be purchased abroad and are a fun and relatively inexpensive way to add variety to your travel wardrobe!

Shoes:
It is best to keep your shoes simple and practical. Remember, you will do a lot more walking in Europe than you are used to! I loved my packable Hunter boots on rainy and chilly days. Cobblestone plus water equals a million tiny and cold puddles. Seriously, these boots are so comfy and light. I wore them on a rainy and chilly day in London when my friend Mike and I walked more than 12 miles. Thanks to my Hunters, my feet didn't hurt once.

You can read more on how to select the best shoes for travel here.

Bags/Purses:
1 Secure and Comfortable Mid-sized Everyday Purse (helpful if it fits your computer to go to and from class)
1 Larger Tote for School or Travel (carried on the plane)
1 Clutch or Small Cross-body
*For theft/security reasons, I am anti-backpack

You can see my suggestions for the best travel purses here.


Other Packing Tips:

1. Buy hair dryers, curling irons, and straighteners when you arrive.
2. Don't bring "going out" shoes. High heels can be easily purchased abroad and since you will only wear them a couple times (most likely in dirty clubs) they aren't worth the room and weight in your suitcase.
3. Don't waste space on things you wear occasionally or have never worn, or on things that don't fit.
4. If possible, download required course readings on to your Kindle or iPad to save space and weight.
5. Consult your physician about your prescription medicines and refills prior to departure and how to adjust time sensitive medicines in a new time zone.
6. Space bags and packing cubes are great for maximizing space, but be warned, they don't lessen your suitcase's weight!
7. The more underwear and socks you bring, the less laundry you will have.
8. Bring small refillable bottles for budget airlines and weekend travel.
9. Blow up neck pillows are great for sleeping on buses and trains while abroad.
10. Check to see if your university has a VPN (virtual private network). Many do and when you log in overseas you can access Pandora and Netflix! If your university doesn't have one, you can purchase one online.
11. Don't forget your student ID, many places offer discounts.
12. Try to pack only ONE checked bag and invest in quality, lightweight luggage.
13. Invest in a good, sturdy camera. Your pictures will be your greatest souvenirs!

30 Tips for Studying/Living Abroad

By: Unknown on 12:22 AM / comment : 0 featured, study abroad, travel, Travel Tips

1) Bring Earplugs
Student travel equals budget travel, which means you will have lots of people sharing rooms (hotels, dorms, and hostels) and enduring long bus rides. Tuck a couple pairs of disposable earplugs into your bag so that no matter what sleeping situation you find yourself in, you will be ready.

2) Pack Less, Budget More
Most students over pack and under budget. You won't need as much clothing as you think you do and you will definitely need more money. I have never heard a student say, "I budgeted too much, I have so much money." It is almost always the reverse.

3) Photocopy Important Documents
You can also snap a pic on your phone. Having copies tucked safely in your apartment and back home will make your life so much easier if any of your important documents (passport, ID, credit card, etc.) are stolen or misplaced.

4) Buy a SIM Card Abroad
This is the cheapest and easiest way (in Europe for sure), you can read more about using your cell phone abroad here.

5) Learn the Language
Or at least attempt to -- "hello," "thank you," and "please" go along way in any language and country.

6) Get in Shape
Traveling requires a lot of walking and luggage hauling. You will enjoy the experience more and your feet will hurt a lot less if you aren't completely out of shape. You don't need to train for a marathon, but putting in the effort to hit the gym or walk more before departure will go a long way.

7) Travel on Weekends
Make the most of your time abroad by traveling on the weekends. If you're in Europe you can basically see a new country every weekend. If you're in Florence, I highly recommend traveling with my friends at Florence For Fun.

8) Bring a Universal Power Adaptor
I like the universal ones, instead of country-specific, because if you do travel on weekends you are prepared.

9) Buy Your Straightener and/or Blow Dryer When You Arrive
Even when you use a voltage converter and adaptor, these items never seem to work properly (unless they are dual voltage). Fortunately, these items are not very expensive and easy to find abroad and it will save space and weight in your suitcase (you can read more of my tips for space and weight saving here).

10) Bring Comfortable Shoes

11) Take Lots of Pictures

12) Be Open to Bus Travel
As someone who gets car sick, I was not excited about the idea of a 10-hour bus ride to Budapest. But I bought some motion sickness pills and settled in with a pillow and a blanket and it wasn't terrible. It is one of the cheapest ways to travel and once I arrived in Budapest, it quickly became worth it.

13) Pack For All Weather Scenarios
This is important especially if you're planning on traveling. It may be mild in Florence in the fall, but you might want to ski one weekend in Switzerland or lay on the beach in Santorini.

14) Buy Travel Insurance
Again, especially true if you want to travel. And even more important if you are flying discount airlines. You can find good plans online and customize them to your travel needs.

15) Invest in a Good Camera and Large Memory Card
You will take a ton of pictures and they really are the best souvenirs.

16) Bring Something Sentimental
Bring something that reminds you of home for those days where you are tired, grumpy, and missing home.

17) Be Adventurous
Be adventurous in all things -- what you eat, where you travel, and what you do! Some of my most amazing experiences were when I put my fear aside and just went for it.

18) Stay Hydrated
This might seem like a non brainer, but when you're busy traveling and tap water is not free like it is back home, you often forget. Make an effort to drink lots of water, even if it's more expensive than you think it should be.

19) Set Goals/Make a Bucket List
Setting goals and making a bucket list will keep you motivated when your tired. Traveling every weekend and living in a foreign country can be exhausting, but it is so worth it.

20) Explore Alone
While traveling with friends and other students is fun, exploring on your own and learning how to navigate and interact by yourself in a foreign place is very important.

21) Pack Lots of Ziplock Bags
There are just so useful when you travel, trust me!

22) Plan, Plan, Plan!
Traveling is so much easing and cheaper when it is well planned. Take the time to research where you are going and what you want to do and book ahead whenever possible.

23) Sleep When You're Dead (Not Traveling)
Don't go into a semester abroad expecting to have lots of time to relax or that you will come home well rested. It is a once in a lifetime experience, which means it is completely worth all of the early mornings, late nights, and long travel days.

24) Learn How to Read a Map
Your cell phone may not always work, so it is nice to be able to fall back on an old-school map. It will also give you a better sense of the city, which will help you navigate.

25) Buy Toiletries When You Arrive
This saves space and weight when it comes to packing. You can read all of my space and weight saving tips here.

26) Dress the Part

27) Keep a Journal or Blog
It is a great way to keep track of all of your adventures and it lets your friends and family follow along.

28) Conquer Public Transportation

29) Get a Travel Rewards Credit Card
Most travel cards minimize exchange fees and international purchase fees, plus you can earn miles or points for your next adventure.

30) Get an Extra Battery for Your Phone
Between Google translating, mapping your location, and taking a million photos, you phone battery will betray you. I absolutely love my Mophie case. It has been a life saver on numerous occasions.

The Best Purses for Travel

By: Unknown on 9:00 PM / comment : 0 featured, packing, study abroad, travel, travel style, Travel Tips

When it comes to packing for travel or studying abroad selecting the right shoes and purses is definitely the most challenging part. You want to pack as few as possible while ensuring you have what you need for all possible occasions. You're also trying to find bags and shoes that will look stylish but also be comfortable and practical. Like I said, challenging!

Before you select your perfect purse for travel you need to think about your travel plans and what you will want or need to have with you on a daily basis. I encourage people to carry as little as possible to avoid back pain or having an annoyingly-large bag to drag around. This amount, of course, is different for everyone. Some people can get away with just their cell phone, keys, and wallet, while others need a mini first aid kit, makeup, DSLR camera, and extra sweater (#guilty).

If you only need a small or medium size purse, I highly recommend a cross-body bag. A convertible cross-body that can be both a shoulder bag and cross-body, like this one, is ever better. Cross-body bags free your hands and are more comfortable for long days of sightseeing. If you're the type of person that likes to carry everything but the kitchen sink, you will want to skip the cross body and opt for a large, but lightweight, tote. For security reasons, make sure what ever you select zips completely.

In addition to size and shape, you also want to consider the bag's material. Nylon is great because it is lightweight and durable. I also like coated canvas and Saffiano leather because both are more resistant to scratches and staining. Finally, make sure you select a practical color or pattern that goes with what you have packed.

Here are some of my favorite purses for travel:

THE MINIMALIST
Avery Crossbody // Britton Crossbody // Dagne Dover Tiny Tote // Jet Set Crossbody // Metropolis Mini Crossbody

THE PICTURE LOVER
Mini Avery Tote // Nylon Small Devin // Saddle Crossbody // Stacy Drawstring Shoulder Bag // Flemming Convertible Bag

THE HOARDER
Dagne Dover 13" Tote // Large Le Piliage // Cedar Street Tote

Now, you might have noticed that there are two Dagne Dover bags listed in my favorite purses for travel. That's because they really are the perfect bags! The larger totes have compartments for everything to keep you organized and protect your electronics. This is a lifesaver at the airport. My Tiny Tote, however, is one of my favorites for sightseeing. This little guy has traveled to Budapest, Salzburg, Paris, Venice, London, and all over Italy! To celebrate my love of Dagne Dover totes, they are offering 20% off to History in High Heels readers from now until December 25th with code - HistoryinHighHeels20.


FOR THE STUDY ABROAD STUDENT:
If you are studying abroad you will need a couple different types of bags. First you will need an everyday school bag. This should be something you can easily carry your books and lap top in to and from class (remember class can be on the other side of the city). I suggest a backpack (but beware of theft) or something like the Longchamp Large Le Piliage (which is perfect because it folds up).

You will also want to pack a small and/or medium sized cross-body bag for excursions and travel. Speaking of travel, make sure you bring a weekender bag or small carry-on for weekend travel. Just make sure that your travel bag is small enough to comply with budget airline restrictions (or you will be forced to check it)!

One final tip - Invest in your travel purses and bags and avoid traveling with cheap or poorly made ones. There is nothing worse than having your bag's seam tear or strap rip in the middle of the airport or a foreign city.


I hope this helps you find your perfect travel purse!