Road Trip: Sun, Pasta, and a Few Travel Fails | Story

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You know that feeling when you’ve been planning a trip for months, stalking Instagram locations, and making endless lists of “must-see” spots… and then nothing goes exactly how you thought it would? Yeah, that was me on my recent Italy coastal trip.

I live in London, which is amazing for weekend getaways, but this time I wanted more than a quick escape. I wanted to slow down, eat food that tastes like the sun grew it, and let’s be honest pretend I was in some dramatic Italian film. Spoiler: there were glamorous moments, but also a few “Natasha, what on earth have you done?” moments.

This post isn’t just the glossy highlights. I’ll share the good, the bad, and the bits that made me laugh until my stomach hurt. You’ll also get my actual tips like which town you can totally skip, how to save money without feeling like you’re on a budget trip, and the one train I recommend never taking.

Amalfi is beautiful. It’s also… expensive. Like, London-coffee-prices-but-for-water expensive. But it’s one of those places you just have to see once in your life.

Lemon everything. Lemon gelato, lemon risotto, limoncello shots at 2 PM.
The tiny ceramic shops hidden in alleys are perfect for gifts that won’t break in your suitcase.
Walking the Path of the Gods at sunset (felt like a movie scene).

Lowlight: Trying to drive along the coastal road. The views were insane, but so were the hairpin bends. At one point, a bus came toward me and I was 98% sure I’d have to reverse for half a mile.

I stayed in Vernazza because it’s small but lively. Every morning, I had breakfast overlooking the sea, and every evening I felt like I’d stepped into a postcard.

Hiking between villages (my favorite was Vernazza to Monterosso).
Swimming at sunset tourists leave, locals come out, and it feels like magic.
The seafood pasta. I’m ruined for life.

Don’t overpack. You’ll regret dragging a big suitcase up 200 stone steps.
Trains between villages are great… unless there’s a strike (which there was).

Travel in the shoulder season (late May or September).
Stay just outside the main tourist spots.
Eat where the locals eat often two streets back from the main square.

Here’s a weird thing I thought I’d be totally unplugged during this trip. But a friend back in the UK texted me in a panic about needing help with nursing assignment work while I was in Amalfi. I ended up writing part of it from a café overlooking the sea, which was actually kind of nice. Writing with espresso in hand and waves in the background? Not bad.

It made me think balancing travel with small work tasks (whether it’s freelance gigs or helping a mate) isn’t the vibe-killer I thought it’d be. You just have to plan it into your day.

Naples gets a bad rep, but I adored it. It’s loud, messy, and full of character.

Pizza at Sorbillo was worth the 40-minute wait.
Wandering the narrow streets felt like being in another time.
Art and history? Underrated.

Yes, it’s hectic. Yes, crossing the road is a sport. But it’s the kind of chaos that sticks with you.

Linen dresses (light, breathable, easy to glam up).
A small backpack for day trips.
Refillable water bottle (Italy’s fountains are your best friend).
Portable charger (you’ll take more photos than you think).

Spend more nights in smaller towns and fewer in the big names.
Book trains ahead last-minute tickets are triple the price.
Learn basic Italian phrases (locals appreciate it, even if your accent is questionable).

This trip wasn’t perfect, but honestly, that’s what made it unforgettable. The views, the food, the tiny moments like a stranger giving me free gelato because “it’s too hot for you today, bella”… those are the things I’ll remember more than any checklist of “must-sees.”

If you’re planning an Italian coast trip, go in with a loose plan. Leave space for the surprises. The best moments happen when you’re not rushing to the next thing.

And if you’ve been putting off that trip, book it. Now. Seriously. You’ll figure out the rest as you go.

#roadtrips