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Travel Inspirations · May 4, 2010

Travel Inspirations: The World is Just a Passport Away

 

Some of us were stamped “traveler” when we were born, and couldn’t wait for the day when we could pack the suitcase, grab the passport and head out for adventures around the world. My good friend Lisa Fantino at Wanderlust Women Travel and I were certainly marked from an early age as travelers. I am grateful that we have met and been able to share so many stories and fun times together on the Amalfi Coast – a place that has touched both of us very deeply! Lisa has stopped by today to share some of her travel inspirations with all of you here on Ciao Amalfi.

If you’re visiting for the first time, I invite you to check out the other posts in the Travel Inspirations series where we’ve been off to Italy with Robin Locker,  Naxos, Greece with Mike Sowden, Hiroshima with Abigail King and  Australia’s Gold Coast with Cecil Lee.

Welcome, Lisa!

____________________________

 

When my friend Laura invited me to do an article on a place which has inspired me, the answer immediately was Italy. Yet, that is the easy answer for me these days. However, the Gemini creative spirit inside of me has been inspired by so many places but none more than England and Italy, probably equally. Therefore, I hope Laura indulges my whim and allows me the space to tell you why.

 

Solo_Women_travel_Via_Cassia_Toscano

 Along the ancient Via Cassia with Radicofani off in the distance

 

As a child my favorite dress was a frilly little red dress that had old luggage-style travel tags sewn onto the front, clearly indicating my future path to Paris, Rome and London. Paris never called to me but the other two cities did. This spirit of wanderlust to travel the globe was also fueled by a desire to meet every rock star in the universe and what better place to start my dual quest than London. It was my first trip overseas as a teenager, without my family, and it was FANTASTIC! I knew then and there that a semester at the University of London was a must. Living amid the ghosts of Dickens and the Ripper, creating a Victorian fantasy come-to-life, was my greatest creative inspiration for years and was bountiful fodder for my writing pursuits. (Publishers, are you listening?)

 

I am a native New Yorker but there is no city I feel more truly comfortable in than London. Believe it or not, more than 20 years have passed since my first visit and I still uncover new and exciting things to do such as the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London. I must plan ahead three months for that one!

 

Solo_travel_women_London_Big_Ben[1] Ever towering Big Ben

 

Italy, on the other hand, is in my blood and calmed me instantly with my first visit to Tuscany. The light there is unlike any other and the sweet smell of jasmine which permeates the air coupled with the feral rustling cinghalli lets you know that there is both beauty and danger in those hills. However, I lost my soul to the Amalfi coast and my heart has forever found a home there. It is a love story fused by the beauty of a place and borne of its people and a destination I will forever travel toward it for the rest of my days in this life and many others to come! I hope you will travel solo to find your soul’s home and seek adventure beyond your front door – the world is just a passport away.

 

Solo_women_travel_Sorrento_port

Sorrento’s busy port of Marina Grande

 

Lisa Fantino is an award-winning journalist and attorney and the creative force behind Wanderlust Women Travel and its soon to be launched destination wedding portal. She also writes travel features for MNUI Travel Insurance and blogs as Lady Litigator.

Posted In: Travel Inspirations · Tagged: Amalfi Coast, Blogosphere, Europe, Guest Post, Italy, my menu, Travel Inspirations

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Comments

  1. Wanderlust Woman says

    May 4, 2010 at 14:02

    Grazie, cara. So, where shall we use our passports next? 🙂

    Reply
  2. Laura says

    May 4, 2010 at 14:09

    Ciao Lisa! Good question…. Sicily! 🙂

    Reply
  3. LindyLouMac says

    May 4, 2010 at 14:50

    Amalfi and London,so very different but both well deserving of your enthusiasm Lisa.

    Reply
  4. Laura says

    May 4, 2010 at 15:17

    LindyLouMac, I agree! I was in London three summers ago and loved every minute of if.

    Reply
  5. Wanderlust Woman says

    May 4, 2010 at 23:41

    Grazie LindyLouMac and Sicily – we're on, Laura!!!!!!

    Reply
  6. veventoangel says

    May 6, 2010 at 09:04

    Really title is so perfect of this blog . Good Blog keep it up. – athens greece hotels

    Reply
  7. Laura says

    May 6, 2010 at 09:12

    Ciao Alena and veventoangel! Thanks for stopping by and for your comment!

    Reply
  8. Anne in Oxfordshire says

    May 11, 2010 at 17:47

    I live in the UK and about 60 miles from London, hardly ever go into the centre but I did have a trip there with my friend from Paris for a few days, last week, … She loved it.. I liked it.. I love Paris, an I love Italy .

    Reply
  9. Laura says

    May 13, 2010 at 21:33

    Ciao Anne! Always lovely to hear from you! I've been wondering how you've been. I know how you feel about Paris and Italy… that is certainly something special! 🙂

    Reply

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My name is Laura and the Amalfi Coast is my passion and my home. I’m a writer and photographer who is endlessly inspired by the incredible beauty of the Amalfi Coast. Welcome to Ciao Amalfi!

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