DinaLast Updated on December 19, 2024
Happy New Year!
Finally, 2018 has arrived, and as always, it’s that time when I look back and reflect on the past year. For me, 2017 was a challenging year on a personal level. It brought many changes, including two moves during particularly tough periods, but it also taught me a lot. I traveled less than usual—mainly due to time constraints—and a few unexpected setbacks forced me to cancel some planned trips.
My Pretty Travels – My travel highlights of 2017
January
No travels in January! I rarely travel during this month. Sure, the ticket prices are ridiculously low, but have you seen how many flights get canceled in January because of bad weather? Not to mention, when it’s freezing cold, I just can’t enjoy myself properly…
February
For me, February means one thing: Carnival season! It’s one of my favorite celebrations, and despite everything, I managed to attend the Carnival in Frascati.
Frascati is a charming small town about an hour away from Rome. Every year, they host a truly unique parade that’s worth experiencing at least once! The atmosphere, the costumes, and the festive vibes make it unforgettable.
But, of course, one carnival wasn’t enough for me!
I ventured to the other end of Italy, near the border with France, to witness the Carnival of Ivrea—famous for its wild Battle of the Oranges. Yes, it’s as crazy as it sounds! I returned home safe and sound (thankfully!) and full of laughter. This might just have been my most fun trip of 2017.
And while I was in the area, I couldn’t resist stopping by my beloved Turin. The city, often called the “Little Paris,” never disappoints. I strolled through its elegant streets and even wrote a detailed article about its many charms.
March
Oh, Naples, my favorite! It’s just a short ride from Rome—practically a stone’s throw away—so why not go? I revisited this vibrant city and took the opportunity to update my old article about Naples’ top attractions.
And because March wasn’t busy enough, I made a quick trip to Greece to soak up even more fresh, salty sea air. There’s nothing quite like the Greek coastline to refresh the soul and recharge your batteries.
April
Amsterdam! After all this time, I finally wrote a post about this incredible city that had been on my to-do list for ages. You can find it here. Amsterdam’s unique charm, picturesque canals, and vibrant energy make it a city that never fails to inspire.
May
Not many trips this month, but I spent plenty of time rediscovering Rome! One highlight was finally visiting the MAXXI Museum of Modern Art—a place I’d been meaning to explore for ages. It was an eye-opening experience, full of creativity and innovative exhibits.
I also participated in a marathon in Rome for a good cause… Well, to be honest, I mostly walked! The finish line was at the iconic Circo Massimo, which made it all the more special.
June
June was all about soaking up the summer vibes in Rome. I attended the annual Estate Romana event along the Tiber River. This is one of those magical summer traditions organized by the city, where the riverbank transforms into a bustling hub of activity.
There were countless stalls offering delicious food, refreshing drinks, handmade clothes, and crafts. You could even catch a theater performance if you timed it right. It’s the kind of event that makes you fall in love with Rome all over again.
Another unforgettable experience in June was visiting the waterfalls in EUR, which opened to the public for the first time this year. The sight of the cascading water against the modern architecture of EUR was simply stunning—a hidden gem right in Rome.
I was so inspired that I wrote a detailed post about it. Definitely worth a visit if you’re ever in the city!
Work took me to Rimini this month, but honestly, it didn’t leave me impressed this time. I had visited a few years ago during winter and loved it, but summer was a completely different story. The place was overrun with Russian tourists, the sea had an unpleasant smell, and the shops were just plain unattractive. It was so uninspiring that I didn’t even bother taking a single photo!
July
Tuscany was a dream! I spent time in the charming town of Lucca and, of course, Florence—it was everything I hoped for and more. The beauty, history, and atmosphere of these places truly made it one of the best trips of the year.
Next, I spent a few beautiful days in Sofia, Bulgaria—another post I’ve been meaning to write for ages! For me, Sofia is one of my favorite cities. I haven’t visited other Bulgarian cities (and to be honest, I haven’t heard much positive about them), but Sofia has this special charm that keeps drawing me back.
August
I traveled for a wedding to a seaside location near Ancona, and then I headed back to Greece.
Although my summer vacation plans got canceled, I managed to take a lovely day trip to Patras, which turned out to be a wonderful escape.
September
Nothing particularly exciting this month!
October
At the other end of Italy… the incredible Cinque Terre! If you missed my post about it, you can read it here. The beauty of the colorful villages nestled against the cliffs is truly breathtaking.
November
Back in Rome, and once again at the other end of Italy, but this time from the opposite side! Trieste, located at the border with Slovenia, is a slightly misunderstood city, but its attractions, especially Miramare Castle, completely enchanted me.
December
Another trip to Greece, this time for Christmas! The perfect way to end the year with family and holiday cheer.
Summary of 2017
2017 wasn’t my best year, but it made me feel stronger and ready to start new things, make decisions, and plan my next steps.
I only took one trip abroad (to Amsterdam) and three trips to Greece, while in 2016 I managed to go on three trips abroad and five to Greece! However, I explored more of Italy this year, visiting places like Cinque Terre and Trieste, which are far from Rome.
To preempt any comments like, “How do you afford all this travel?”—I’ll say that traveling is more about time than money. There are plenty of budget-friendly options for both transportation and accommodation. You just need to dedicate time (hours!) to find cheap tickets and, of course, be practical. I always travel with a cabin-size suitcase; it’s been years since I’ve paid for checked luggage. If I really want to go somewhere, I’ll take a train or bus, even if it’s not the most convenient. When I said I was going to Cinque Terre by bus for 7 hours because it only cost 15 euros, half the Italians I know told me they’ve never been and would never take a bus for that long.
I believe travel is all about choices. If you dedicate time and decide what you can and can’t sacrifice (for example, I’ll never sacrifice food—I always eat out and try the local cuisine wherever I go!), you can travel quite a bit.
Plans for 2018?
More day trips around Rome and weekend getaways!
