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Natalie Martin Dress, at Amalfi Villa
The Amalfi Coast and Sardinia are two of Italy's hottest travel destinations. Since everyone seems to be travelling again, I thought it would be a good time to share my vacation recos for these incredible bucket list destinations in two very special Italian locations.
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Yesterday I was honored to be featured on the home page of Who What Wear in, ‘A Stylish 54-Year-Old Shares What She Packs for a European Getaway’. I had 48 hours to pull this article together that came to me on my Instagram DM from one of the top editors there. It was the last day of my two-week stay in Italy where I traveled to Rome, Sardinia and across the Amalfi Coast—one week alone with my husband and one week with four other couples (full blog coming soon). During my stay, each outfit and experience was captured for the purpose of creating summer content for this blog and my Instagram, including stories! Since I don’t travel with a photographer, I was lucky to have my semi-patient Instagram hubby and some talented friends on the trip, who snapped shots during our two week holiday.
I was hoping to be able to work on this article during my flight home, however, once on the board, I learned that the plane was new and not yet fitted for internet use. After a brief panic attack, I used the time without wi-fi to organize my iPhone apps, respond to emails and edit photos from the trip. In order to actually make the deadline for this article, I had to pull an all-nighter when I arrived home at 11:00 pm. I was on European time so that worked out! However, I did crash hard and the jet lag struggle was real and lasted a full week.
At the end of the day, it is gratifying to be a content creator in my mid-fifties, getting major play on Who What Wear, a platform that I have always thought of as the modern online version of Vogue Magazine. I hope to continue creating content that you can enjoy, filled with advice and tips to lead a more enhanced life. Thank you for following me and supporting me on this journey—I would not be here without you!
Below you can see the complete article on, “What to Pack for a European Getaway”, and shop all the looks from this post!
Flannel Vouex Cami Maxi Dress
Dresses and Skirts
I bring a mix of flowy skirts and dresses and wear them for everything from touring, sightseeing, beach, pool, and dinner. I think Natalie Martin makes some of the best summer dresses that work well from day to night. They take up nearly no space in your luggage and seem to be wrinkle-free right out of your suitcase.
Sandals and Comfy, Chic Shoes
Pack shoes that are lightweight, comfortable, and stylish. Simple flat sandals in nude or metallic go with everything and are great if you are doing a lot of walking or touring. I am a huge fan of the Hermès-inspired slides in neutral and have them in several colors. I also love the new strappy styles, and they provide some extra support. If you must bring something with a heel, I recommend simple raffia wedges by Sam Edelman or Soludos.
These retro Nike Classic Cortez sneakers can double as workout shoes or worn with your favorite dresses, shorts and cropped pants.
As seen on style icon Lyn Slater, Vision Quest shoes are fashionable and functional. These unique babouche shoes have a molded rubber outsole design and feel as comfortable as my bedroom slippers. I wore my rose gold ones at the airport and on big walking days in Europe - perfect for the cobblestone streets of Italy!
Use glowgirl10 for a 10% discount!
Dress by Nudz Beachwear
Dress by Zimmerman
COVER-UPS & KIMONOS
I usually like to buy a few light-weight cover-ups in Europe but will take a few with me that work with all of my swimsuits. You can also pair a swimsuit with a kimono like this one from Free People worn as a cover up that can also be tied or belted as a dress. Or, wear as a light layer if it’s chilly at night.
Kimono by Free People
Bag by ClareV. Sandals by Ancient Greek Sandals.
SWIMSUITS
I am a huge fan of the retro high-waisted bikinis that are so on trend right now and they are super flattering on most body types! I also love one piece styles with special details or patterns.
Swimsuit by Cami and Jax (sold out)
CROPPED PANTS & JEANS
I usually take or wear a comfy lightweight pair of jeans on the plane and then take one pair of cropped white pants.
WHITE LINEN SHIRT
I saw lots of linen shirts while in Italy and picked up a few more! You can wear them as a classic button down or crop and tie them at the waist with your fave skirt, shorts or pants. They even double as an extra layer worn open and loose over a t-shirt or tank dress.
CAMISOLES
I always take one solid and one patterned to mix and match with all skirts and pants.
ACCESSORIES
European women are so effortlessly stylish--they wear beautiful accessories that up their style game to complete their look.
COSTUME JEWELRY
Leave the fine jewelry at home (except for a few gold necklaces and studs that you can swim with) and bring pieces that are easily packed and that can be worn from day to night. I like to stack these beaded bracelets by Karen Lazar Design, or you can wear a few with your existing bracelets. Use code GLOWGIRL10 for a 10% discount!
Delicate necklaces that you can wear from pool to out at night...just layer them! Melissa Meyers X LOOMA Glow necklace Use code GLOW20 for a 20% discount
HAIR
I love wearing hair accessories to add to my travel summer looks, such as, Scarlett Pearl clips by BaubleBar, Ponytail Scarf by Anthropology and Scrunchies by Love Shack Fancy.
Beaded bracelets by Karen Lazar Design. Use code GLOWGIRL10 for a 10% discount!
BAGS
I like to use a large lightweight tote bag on the plane that I can use while traveling from place to place, take to the beach and shopping. I also bring a straw round bag that goes with everything and works from day to night.
HAT
A hat is a must-have to protect your skin and completes your day look, too! Make sure to take the new TopTote with you. This chic hat clip is genius and attaches to your bag or luggage. It makes for the perfect travel companion and keeps your hat crush-free. I used it every day when I was in Italy and just attached it to my beach bag.
SUNNIES
I usually like to take a few pair with me since there are so many amazing styles out now, they can change up your look depending on the style. I wear styles by Illesteva, Le Specs, Diff Eyewear, Oliver Peoples and Ray Bans.
ROBE
I like to bring a pretty lightweight robe because the ones you get at the hotel are usually too large and thick. With high temps during the summer, it feels good to get ready in one of these instead plus they barely take up space in your luggage!
JACKETS
I suggest wearing a light-weight denim jacket on the plane that you can wear if you happen to have a chilly night while there. I find most places in Europe to be very warm this time of year, even at night!
Thank you to my husband, Michael Meyers, who endured my requests for daily photo shoots while away on our vacation. And, a big shout out and thank you to Who What Wear, for featuring me and more perennials on their platform! I hope to continue contributing content for their viewership. What an exciting time!
Again, thank YOU for following me on this glowgetter blogging journey.
xxMelissa
Beautiful day at La Fontelina Capri!
Entrance at the Borgo Egnazia, Puglia. Dress by Ulla Johnson. Similar here
Italy is one of those places that gets in your soul. The culture is so rich you can’t help but take in every part of it during your time there. I visited Rome, Sicily and Puglia last year with my family and want to share my experience with you in case you are planning to visit there this summer or some time in the near future. This part of Europe is a favorite of mine (my 5th trip there) and is rich with the most incredible, art, cooking, traditions and history. These experiences are so impressionable that you can’t help but bring some of them back into your home country.
I used an incredible luxury travel company called Lux Voyage to help me plan this trip including activities and restaurant reservations. I was also lucky to have been able to meet up with my blogging partner Janet Gunn and her family for part of the trip!
Below are highlights of where to stay, dine, explore and what to pack for this European vacation.
Click items directly in the carousel below to shop ‘what to pack’
ROME
Poolside at the Gran Melia Rome
STAY
First up we stayed at Gran Melia Rome, a nice family-friendly hotel in the ‘heart of the eternal city’ - close to the Vatican in Rome. The Gran Melia has delicious food with a restaurant run by one of Italy’s most famous chefs. It’s well-priced and very conveniently located if you plan to spend time in Vatican City. The green oasis and beautiful pool area brings peace and quiet to a bustling city. I also recommend staying at the JK ROMA if you want to be in the historic center of Rome near the Trevi Fountain, The Villa Borghese and the designer boutiques of Via del Corso. We stayed in Rome for two nights!
EXPLORE
With so much to explore in Italy, where do I start? Well, the Vatican is an absolute must-see at least once in a lifetime! We took an early morning tour (earlier the better) to the Vatican City, one of the most sacred places in Christendom, it attests to a great history and a formidable spiritual venture. A unique collection of artistic and architectural masterpieces lie within the boundaries of this small state. At its center is St Peter's Basilica, with its double colonnade and a circular piazza in front and bordered by palaces and gardens. Here you can also visit the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel! All this in one morning and we then took a tour after lunch through the Jewish Ghetto. Hidden in the heart of the city, it is one of the best attractions in Rome (and also one of its least-known). As the oldest Jewish community in all of Europe, this beautiful, thriving neighborhood is as central to the history of the city as it is to the Jewish faith.
The Jewish Quarter, Rome
“Best pasta in Rome” at the authentic Taverna Trilussa
DINE
What a treat! Italy is renowned for full flavor, olive oil, herbs, fresh mediterranean living and I love it!
When in Rome, we had dinner at Dal Bologese, in piazza del Popolo. A true Italian experience, where sophisticated Romans mingle with models and celebs at this historically chic restaurant. Dine inside, surrounded by wood panelling and exotic flowers, or outside, serving timeless cuisine serving dishes of the Emilian tradition: including tagliatelle Bolognese and tortellini in broth. We also found the “best pasta in Rome” at the authentic Taverna Trilussa. A high end, rustic taverna famed for serving pasta in steel pans!
SOUTHERN ITALY: SICILY & PUGLIA
View of Taormina, Sicily
STAY
A 3.5 hour flight after our time in Rome to Catania we checked into Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo in Taormina where we spent three nights and then went to the sister beachside property, the Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea. Taormina is a renowned resort area in Sicily; a small and elegant town with balconies covered in flowers, ancient ruins, and views over the sea and towards the volcano, Etna. Plus, there are some cute boutiques to shop and no shortage of great restaurants. Another great way to experience Taormina from its most privileged point of view is to take out a boat for the day!
With Janet Gunn Grateful Gardenia in Sicily at The Belmond Grande Hotel Timeo. Wearing Franne Golde magic pants in white.
Use code MM10 for 10% off while shopping www.frannegolde.com.
Silk top by Hark + Hammer, Bag by ClareV, Sandals by Ancient Greek Sandals.
Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo. Wearing a Zimmerman ruffled floral playsuit. Similar here.
Click items directly in the carousel below to shop swim and beach wear
At the beach at Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea. Swimwear - Black one piece by Cami and Jax. Similar here
Day trip to Volcano, Mount Etna
Sunset at Borgo Egnazia
Climbing the steps at Borgo Egnazia
Borgo Egnazia. Dress by Nudz Beachwear. Similar dress by Natalie Martin
Our last stop in Italy was Puglia (pronounced “Pulia”), staying at the 5 star hotel Borgo Egnazia. Here ‘nature is powerful, peace is intense, harmony is full’ and it certainly was! This beautiful and unique destination is a visionary interpretation of a typical Puglian village, surrounded by olive groves within the gorgeous landscape in Southern Italy. You get your own designated concierge who will guide you and offer the best in local and authentic experiences there. The service is impeccable and a stay there is certainly a “bucket list” experience. Another great small boutique hotel worth a visit is La Perschiera—this 13-room five-star (adults only) hotel offers sea views from every room within its own private beach. We went for lunch and spent some beach time there.
La Perschiera. Solid and Stripe swimwear by Mara Hoffman. Similar here.
Poolside at the Borgo Egnazia
Lunch at the Borgo Egnazia
EXPLORE
In Puglia, the heel of Italy’s boot and the home of Italy’s pasta, we embarked upon a full-day journey. Beginning in Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, discovering its unique prehistoric trulli houses. Afterwards we continued to Locorotondo taking in its luminous white houses, charming churches, and panoramic views of the Itria Valley. Then continued to Ostuni one of the most beautiful towns in Puglia, extending across three hills, and known as "the white city" for its dazzling white walls and white-painted buildings. The genuine charm of these white-washed villages were simply beautiful. Our stop in Locorontondo, known as one of the most beautiful cities in Italy continues with everything in bright white apart from the blood red geraniums that fall from the window boxes. The streets are paved with smooth ivory stones, with the church of Santa Maria della Grecia as its sunbaked centerpiece.
Visit to Alberobello. Dress by Natalie Martin. Sunnies by Oliver Peoples. Sandals by Ancient Greek sandals. Similar dress here.
Town of Alberobello
I highly recommend taking a bike tour through the olive-tree covered countryside of Puglia! The culture of olive oil is one of the region's greatest treasures. Starting from Albergabici in Montalbano we experienced the region’s famous “Apulian gold” - an underground olive oil factory, and flourishing olive farms. Extra virgin olive oil of Puglia is one of the most famous products in the world for its taste and it’s quality! The Borgo Egnazia with it’s full service concierge set up this tour for us from their property and it was well worth it.
DINE
A little more casual, was our lunch spot in Puglia at La Taverna del Duca, serving excellent apuglian cuisine and in Taormina we encountered Tischi Toschi a small family run restaurant with a relaxed Sicilian atmosphere serving locals with their fresh authentic flavors and recipes.
Lastly I wanted to note the brand new restaurant, Casa Gioli in Taormina mixing Sicilian art and upscale cuisine set in a splendid location.
WHAT TO PACK FOR A EUROPEAN VACATION
During this trip I took some of my favorite casual chic outfits - think straw hats, flowing dresses, white jeans, swimsuit and comfy sandals.
Silk top by Hark + Hammer. Dress, similar here. Bag by ClareV. Belt Bag similar here.
Tips to remember for your trip to Italy
• Wear light layers, beach cover ups and tunics. Comfortable shoes a must!
• Bring jeans or light-weight athleisure pants if you plan on visiting Mt. Etna or take a bike ride
• Pack a straw hat and fanny pack (not your grandma's!). They also sell amazing hats in Italy so you can pick one up there too!
• Visit the Vatican early morning and book your Museum tickets in advance online from the Vatican website!
Or you can set up a private behind the scenes tour BEFORE the Vatican is open through Lux Voyage.
• Pack your Skyroam for safe wireless everywhere! Use code GLOWGIRL10 for 10% off your skyroam!
Have fun, eat well and embrace the romance of this beautiful country!
xxMelissa
La Peschiera Hotel. Swim suit by Cami and Jax. Sandals by Ancient Greek Sandals
