Who we are:

Once in a Lifetime Travel is a passionately run company focused on mindful and fearless travel through authentic experiences and connections. We feature small, fully

guided group tours to Italy for women

. Our

Italian travel consultant

services feature focused itinerary reviews and detailed

Italy travel planning.

Go Travel, and Travel Fearless.

Andi Brown, Once in a Lifetime Travel ©copyright 2019

The post A Little Coffee Goes a Long Way appeared first on Italy Travel Planner | Consultant | Once In a Lifetime Travel.

When I travel, I tend to go for over a long period of time, spending little time in my room as I explore and meet new contacts.

On such a research trip during my early years in the business, I found an absolute steal of a room in Venice.

The room was described as a small single bed only, but boasted a window overlooking the Grand Canal for little more than the local hostels charge. What incredible luck.

I snatched that room up faster than you could say Holy Cannoli.

Arriving at the hotel, I could not have been more pleased. This was an old and tired building but right on the water with just enough quirk to be quaint.

Opening the door to my room, I found myself in a space so narrow I could barely get past the bed to the anticipated window.

Chin up, I said to myself. You’ve still got that view. What did you expect for that price? Attitude adequately adjusted, I set off about town not returning until later that evening.

Now that the shock of the tight quarters had passed, I opened the door to my room the second time.

A wall of suffocating heat hit me squarely in the face.

Momentarily I panicked, thinking the room might be on fire. The smell told me otherwise. I stepped towards the window and, hanging my head outside, discovered a pizzeria directly below the hotel with the wood burning oven precisely under my room.

That is when I took my experience to heart.

I realized that a ridiculously good deal probably is just ridiculous.

Since that day I’ve protected each and every client from those types of ‘good deals.’

Now that’s more like it.

The post Sometimes a good deal just isn’t appeared first on Italy Travel Planner | Consultant | Once In a Lifetime Travel.

I am just going to start off with a bang, rip the band-aid off and expose my darkest skeleton in the closet. Declare my worst travel mistake. Ever.

So. There was this one time, at the Bahamas. I didn’t bring my passport.

Not forgot my passport. Or lost my passport. No, I purposely tucked it back into the file cabinet for safe keeping while I headed to the airport for an all-inclusive vacation.

I blame my father.

In all my years growing up at home and beyond, I rarely listened to my dad. What teenager in their right mind would? We all understood adults knew very little if anything. Summed up perfectly by a bumper sticker: Hire a teenager while they still know everything. That was me and my dad.

Why I chose to trust my dad for one fleeting moment as I was packing for my trip is beyond me, and my mom quite frankly.

Oh no! We never take our passports to the Bahamas.

Really? You don’t?

Oh no, never have. Never needed to.

I wish I could say this happened early in my life, before I was a seasoned and experienced travel. Maybe back in the good old days when we could practically walk our loved ones to their seats on the plane and taking your shoes off for security was unheard of.

No. This was 2009. I was 35.

My occupation? A travel planner. I helped people travel across the ocean to experience other cultures.

I stood paralyzed in front of that check-in kiosk, the machine anxiously waiting to scan my passport. The same passport that was tucked away at that very moment, safe and sound back home hundreds of miles away. I could only think of one thing.

Why did I pick now to listen to my dad?

Who we are:

Once in a Lifetime Travel is a passionately run company focused on mindful and fearless travel through authentic experiences and connections. We feature small, fully

guided group tours to Italy for women

. Our

Italian travel consultant

services feature focused itinerary reviews and detailed

Italy travel planning.

Go Travel, and Travel Fearless.

Andi Brown, Once in a Lifetime Travel ©copyright 2019

The post Never listen to your dad appeared first on Italy Travel Planner | Consultant | Once In a Lifetime Travel.

The woman had been staring at me for what seemed like forever. She had even tried to get me to order something else.

I was starting to get paranoid, worried I had done something wrong. This was my first trip to Venice and I had found a quaint trattoria tucked away from the crowds.

I self consciously kept eating my risotto. I was savoring the dish. Never in my life had I tasted anything like it. Without knowing exactly what I was doing, I had pointed off the handwritten daily menu. Risi e Bisi. I had no idea fresh pea risotto would taste so dreamy.

She finally approached me and ask, doubtful, whether I liked it.

I loved it.

Shock melted into adoration and in the next moments I was getting extra wine, a special side and loving pats across my shoulder. She brought her sisters out of the kitchen to show me off which was followed by a round of kisses on the top of my head.

All because I ordered her risotto on a whim.

I loved it and she loved me for it.

A return visit with my tour group. Not my best photo.

Who we are:

Once in a Lifetime Travel is a passionately run company focused on mindful and fearless travel through authentic experiences and connections. We feature small, fully

guided group tours to Italy for women

. Our

Italian travel consultant

services feature focused itinerary reviews and detailed

Italy travel planning.

Go Travel, and Travel Fearless.

Andi Brown, Once in a Lifetime Travel ©copyright 2018

The post The Power of Love in a Bowl of Risotto appeared first on Italy Travel Planner | Consultant | Once In a Lifetime Travel.

Still struggling to find the perfect flight to Italy or another location in Europe? We now offer bundled booking options to Italy and beyond that just might save you a chunk of change.  Call 406-570-9393 or email andi@onceinalifetimetravel.com for a quote.

Airline tickets.  Hands down the most agonizing, frustrating and stress inducing piece of planning a trip to Italy.  I wish I could lay out a specific formula that would guarantee the best rates for the perfect dates.  Sadly, nothing like this exists.  Not even close.  What I can offer are my go to sites, some proven and researched facts, how to balance cost versus risk, and my two cents.  This is a long post, stick with it to the end.  I’ve got a strategy that can save you hundreds.

First, don’t become obsessed with finding the absolute cheapest fare.

Your goal is to find a balance between a good price and optimal travel dates.  It will do no good waiting endlessly for a fare price reduction as your favorite hotels book up their best and cheapest rooms.  I would rather pay a few hundred dollars more for my plane ticket knowing that I was able to get into my first choice accommodation and build an itinerary that I want.  Time is also money.  The perfect itinerary is priceless.

How and Where to Search for Flights to Europe

When I have my approximate dates I start by first doing a general search on a big site.  My favorites are Skyscanner and Kayak. This gives me an idea of what is out there and what airlines are players.  Then I go directly to the airlines’ websites to compare prices but even more importantly compare length of flights and layovers.  On my most recent search, I found a great price on my ideal dates….with a 34 hour return flight.  No thanks.  But when I went to the carrier’s direct site I found more options for approximately the same price.  Another reason I like to buy direct from the carrier is the assistance that can be given for any issues that come up with missed flights or travel trouble.  I have experienced the unfortunate frustration of trying to get help from a big search site with zero results.

Details to Keep in Mind for Flights

Connections.  Those on the East Coast can board their planes with ease and enjoy direct flights to most locations.  I will try to contain my jealousy.  The rest of us have to worry about connections, and if you are like me and live in a rural area connections become a REALLY big deal.  The key here is timing and location.  Don’t be tempted by the siren’s call of a brief layover.  That 45 minutes will cost you an entire travel day if missed.  I make sure I have at least 90 minutes at my layovers.  More if possible when flying into Heathrow in London where you also have to go through customs.  My priority is getting to Europe as soon as I can.  Delays within the States can cost me my flight across the ocean and the loss of a full day because those are more infrequent, whereas a delay in Europe isn’t the end of the world.

Cookies.  Be conscious of your searches.  Don’t think the industry isn’t above making a little more money on your specific needs.  I have witnessed first hand ‘sudden’ increases in prices on the same flights on repeat searches.  Erase your cookies or use a different source when you are ready to purchase.

When to Book your Flight

Most of the experts report that tickets to Europe should be purchased between 5-10 months before departure.  I personally like to book 8-10 months ahead.  Regardless of HOW far ahead you book, there are certain times of the week you should purchase.  Research shows Tuesday and Wednesday as the best days to buy.  I like Tuesdays.  Insiders claim that in addition to this, you should avoid the first few days, the very middle days and the last days of the month.  When looking at WHICH days of travel, try to fly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.  Be mindful of holidays in both countries.

My Secret Tactic to Save Money on Flights

Our exciting update with this trick, we now have access to the below bundling saving trick.  Call us at 406-570-9393 directly or email us for a quote, I have personally tested this out and the savings is real. My clients have enjoyed the best prices available anywhere.

Another good trick is so simple that I initially thought there must be a catch. Get on the phone with a real live, flesh and blood representative at a major company like Expedia or Travelocity and now at  Once in a Lifetime Travel.  Imagine that.  Talk to a person. Give them your dates and ask if there is any savings if you combine a hotel or rental car.  If you know the hotel you want to stay in have the name handy and see if they can book you there.  Get ready to watch the prices melt.

If your ideal hotel is not an option or isn’t giving you much savings don’t worry.  Ask them what is the bare bottom best price.  Crazy as it may sound, you don’t have to stay in the hotel with the best combo deal. Verify with the agent, but generally you are not committed to the accommodation or the rental car.  This seems silly, but you may save money by booking a hotel you will never set foot in.  For example, a client and her family booked a package with flights and hotels (which were horribly located) saving a few hundred dollars per person than if she had booked online or through the airlines directly.  I helped get her a great central hotel and everyone is happy.

Reward Travel for Flights

For anyone trying to use their reward points and miles, good luck.  All airlines have black out dates and limited seats on each flight.  I have heard that booking a year out is the best way to get the dates you want to fly.  I have found a wonderful resource called Book My Award where all they deal with is rewards travel.  They work nothing short of miracles here.

Set Up Travel Alerts for Flights You are Interested In

Every website has the ability to sign up for travel alerts.  I have several and I receive email notices when the fare drops or a special is posted.  I find this is a handy way to keep track of any price trends.

Good luck, take a deep breath and let me know what works for you!

Who we are:

Once in a Lifetime Travel is a passionately run company focused on mindful and fearless travel through authentic experiences and connections. We feature small, fully

guided group tours to Italy for women

. Our

Italian travel consultant

services feature focused itinerary reviews and detailed

Italy travel planning.

Go Travel, and Travel Fearless.

Andi Brown, Once in a Lifetime Travel

©copyright 2018

The post Finding the best flight to Italy | or Anywhere in Europe appeared first on Italy Travel Planner | Consultant | Once In a Lifetime Travel.

Thinking of traveling to Italy? Has a visit there been on your bucket list, something you’ve been dreaming of for years?

What a TERRIBLE idea. Let me tell you why you should just save you money and stay home.

1. Food

The food in Italy is terrible, you can’t find real spaghetti and meatballs anywhere or get anyone to serve you cheesy garlic bread. Hawaiian pizza? Not a chance. Don’t even bother following this Instagram account either.

2. Wine

Wine is Italy completely overrated and they always worry about pairing with your food correctly. What a waste of time, just give me my white zin and an ice cube.

3. Coffee

What’s the deal with Italians’ little shot of espresso? And those cappucinos? Gross. Totally bland. You can’t even find a caramel frappuccino anywhere. No one has a drive-thru line and there is only ONE Starbucks in the country.

4. Gelato

I don’t know what the big fuss is about gelato. The flavors are disgusting. Who wants to eat pistachio and hazelnut? You can’t even get liquid marshmallow topping or Blizzards.

5. Dinner

As if the food isn’t bad enough, dinner service doesn’t start until 7.30 and night and usually takes hours. When you are seated, that is your table for the night. The night? I just want to hurry up and eat so I can go home and watch Netflix.

6. Passeggiata

Part of the problem is this weird tradition called passeggiata. In the early evening, everybody just slowly walks around town talking to each other and having a drink or gelato. The whole thing is a waste of time and makes dinner start too late.

See what I am saying? Italy is a terrible idea, and I’m just getting started. For those stubborn readers still dreaming of Italy, you might as well join me on 23-day journey through Italy (top to bottom) via email. The event is free to join and it is going to be TERRIBLE. Sign-up here.

7. Bells

Waking up to the sound of church bells is the worst way to start the day, especially after getting to bed late because everyone is so slow at dinner.

8. People

The Italian people don’t make the experience any better. They are always talking super loud and waving their hands around. Don’t ask them a question, they will want to help you. They might even try and kiss your checks if you become friends. Gross.

9. Beaches

There are beaches all over Italy and they are a mess. Sand everywhere, some of them are even secret. They actually rent beach chairs by the day, but who wants to relax that long. Waste of time.

10. Hiking

You can hike all around Italy, along the coast and in the mountains. Even in the Tuscan countryside through vineyards. But who would want to do that on vacation?

11. Landscape

This is the worst part of Italy, the landscape is never the same. Mountains, coast, hills, lakes and countryside. Make up your mind.

12. Villages

Little towns and villages are all across Italy, some of them are so small you could drive by them in a blink of an eye. How boring.

13. Ruins

I swear, everywhere I look there is some run down ancient ruin. I wish they would just clean up these piles of rubble, they can’t be that important.

14. Trains

You can get almost anywhere in Italy by train, but who wants to do that? I’d rather drive my car everywhere just like back home.

15. Pasta

There are about a zillion different kinds of pasta and Italians get all anxious if you eat the wrong kind with the wrong sauce. You can’t even add Parmesan if they don’t serve it to you. Worse yet, most of it is made by hand. They don’t even process it.

16. Piazza Life

The piazza is the focal point of every town, big cities have lots of separate areas. You can find anything you need within walking distance of the piazza. Except a Costco or Walmart.

17. Dolce far niente

This Italian phrase means the sweetness of doing nothing. What the hell does that mean anyway? How can you enjoy yourself in Italy while doing absolutely nothing?

As you can see, going to Italy is a really big mistake.

For those of you that are still dreaming of Italy, join me on a 23-day journey through Italy (top to bottom) via email. The event is free to join and it is going to be TERRIBLE. Sign-up here.

Who we are:

Once in a Lifetime Travel is a passionately run company focused on mindful and fearless travel through authentic experiences and connections. We feature small, fully

guided group tours to Italy for women

. Our

Italian travel consultant

services feature focused itinerary reviews and detailed

Italy travel planning.

Go Travel, and Travel Fearless.

Andi Brown, Once in a Lifetime Travel

©copyright 2017

The post 17 Reasons Travel to Italy is a Terrible Idea appeared first on Italy Travel Planner | Consultant | Once In a Lifetime Travel.

If you were traveling to Italy, do you know exactly where to go?

What if I told you that deciding where to travel in Italy is completely different for every person. My first trip to Italy was a whirlwind and included all of the biggies on most travelers to do list. I loved every minute, but I realized that there were things that I would have done differently. I’m country girl at heart, and while I loved the big cities, I was yearning for more quiet time in the countryside and mountains. I went home wondering what I missed.

My next trip to Italy, I expanded my stops to include more rural and less visited areas while spending less time big cities. I stayed in the heart of Le Marche and didn’t interact with another American for weeks. My dinners were spent side by side with locals, sleeves rolled up while we shared wine and our passion for food. l LOVED that trip. That was me. That was MY Italy. I had begun to find my sweet spot, the Italy I belonged in.

Do you want to have your dream Italian vacation? Are you on information overload? Is everyone telling you where you must go?

Join me on a 23 day journey around Italy, top to bottom via your inbox.

Let me introduce Italy to you, region by region, and help you discover where you belong so that you can have your once in a lifetime Italian trip. Completely free to join, daily emails delivered directly to you. No strings attached.

Just sign up here and we’ll start the journey together.

Who we are:

Once in a Lifetime Travel is a passionately run company focused on mindful and fearless travel through authentic experiences and connections. We feature small, fully

guided group tours to Italy for women

. Our

Italian travel consultant

services feature focused itinerary reviews and detailed

Italy travel planning.

Go Travel, and Travel Fearless.

Andi Brown, Once in a Lifetime Travel

©copyright 2017

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The post Where in Italy Do You Belong? Discover Your Perfect Italian Vacation. appeared first on Italy Travel Planner | Consultant | Once In a Lifetime Travel.