Stay Fabulous

Anastasiya

Stay Fabulous is the travel podcast for dreamers, seekers, and design-minded travelers who crave more than just checklists and tourist traps. Hosted by Anastasiya, founder of Fabulous Vita Travel Agency and expert in curated travel through Italy, Greece, and France, each episode is a blend of insider insight, personal storytelling, and soulful advice on how to travel beautifully and live intentionally. From navigating the chaos of Rome to finding stillness in the Cyclades or discovering hidden towns in Provence, this podcast offers practical tips, emotional takeaways, and honest reflections from someone who’s helped thousands of Americans design unforgettable journeys through Europe. Whether you're planning your first trip to Italy or dreaming of a summer on the Amalfi Coast, Stay Fabulous is your companion for travel that feels as good as it looks.

  1. Aug 6

    Is Paros Becoming the Next Mykonos?

    Planning a trip to Greece and wondering whether Paros is still the authentic Greek island everyone talks about? Or is it slowly becoming the next Mykonos? After spending years returning to Paros for one to two months every summer, this was the first season that truly made me stop and ask whether the island I fell in love with is beginning to change. In this episode, I take you beyond the Instagram photos and headlines to explore what's really happening on one of Greece's fastest-growing destinations. I'll share the latest tourism trends, why Paros was named the #1 island in the world, what I personally noticed while exploring the island this summer, and whether the comparisons to Mykonos are actually justified. We'll also talk about overtourism, rising hotel development, changing beach clubs, increasing property prices, and what all of this means if you're planning your first or fifth trip to Paros. Most importantly, I'll explain why choosing the right area to stay, the right experiences, and the right pace can completely transform your visit, even as the island continues to evolve. Whether you're dreaming of hidden beaches, authentic tavernas, boutique hotels, private boat tours, wineries, or the quieter side of the Cyclades, this episode will help you experience the Paros that so many travelers never discover. If you're planning a trip to Greece and want to experience Paros before it changes even more, this episode will help you make smarter decisions, avoid common mistakes, and build an itinerary that truly fits the way you love to travel. __ 0:00 Is Paros Becoming the Next Mykonos? 1:48 Why Paros Is Growing Faster Than Ever 5:36 What I Noticed in Paros This Summer 8:24 Is Tourism Changing the Island Forever? 10:02 Paros vs Mykonos: Is History Repeating Itself? 11:36 How to Experience the Real Paros 13:02 Planning the Perfect Paros Itinerary __ Connect with me:  Fabulous Vita Travel Agency : ⁠https://fabulousvita.com Youtube Channel : ⁠https://youtube.com/c/StayFabulousTL⁠ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anastasiya.gorshkova/

  2. Jul 23

    Planning Your First Trip to Greece? Start Here.

    Planning your first trip to Greece? Chances are you've already started asking the question almost every traveler asks: Which Greek islands should I visit? Santorini? Mykonos? Paros? After years of exploring Greece and spending several months here every year, I can tell you that this is actually the wrong place to start. In this episode, I'm taking you behind the scenes of the exact thought process we use before we ever begin designing a Greece itinerary for the clients of my travel agency. Because choosing the right Greek islands isn't about following social media trends or copying someone else's vacation - it's about choosing islands that fit "your" travel style, your priorities, and the kind of memories you want to create.  I'll talk about why Santorini can be magical for a honeymoon but not necessarily the best choice for every trip, which islands are perfect for incredible beaches, authentic Greek experiences, luxury escapes, nightlife, or a slower pace of life, and why trying to squeeze too many islands into one itinerary is one of the biggest mistakes first-time visitors make. I'll also share some of my personal favorites - from the crystal-clear waters of Milos and the charm of Antiparos to little rituals I never skip when I'm back in Paros. Whether you're planning your very first trip to Greece, deciding between Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Milos, Naxos, or beyond, or simply trying to build a Greece itinerary that actually makes sense, this episode will help you choose the right islands with confidence and create a journey you'll still be talking about long after you've returned home. Link to the YouTube video on Ios Greece Travel Guide: HIDDEN GEM Near Santorini You’ll Wish You Discovered SOONER: https://youtu.be/zFByjg4adxc?si=FJOH7uEgz5SYqLrq Link to the YouTube video Mykonos vs Santorini vs Paros: Which Greek Island Is REALLY BEST for YOU?: https://youtu.be/ZVWjcjVg3-8?si=BcU6xpSWRjeIz3z7 __ 0:00 Planning Your First Trip to Greece? Start Here 3:24 How to Choose the Right Greek Islands 4:07 Santorini, Mykonos, or Paros? Which Island Is Right for You? 7:39 Best Time to Visit the Greek Islands & Seasonal Differences 8:19 The Biggest Greece Itinerary Mistake: Trying to See Too Many Islands 10:13 The Best Greek Islands for Beaches, Luxury & Authentic Experiences 17:05 Why Fewer Islands Create a Better Greece Vacation 20:16 The Smartest Way to Build a Greece Itinerary 23:48 Greece Travel Tips Every First-Time Visitor Should Know __ Connect with me:  Fabulous Vita Travel Agency : ⁠https://fabulousvita.com Youtube Channel : ⁠https://youtube.com/c/StayFabulousTL⁠ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anastasiya.gorshkova/

  3. Jul 9

    What Travelers Get Wrong About Puglia

    Planning a trip to Puglia? Before you finalize your itinerary, it's worth challenging a few common assumptions about this extraordinary region. In this second episode of my two-part Puglia series, I explore the misconceptions that often prevent travelers from discovering the true character of one of Southern Italy’s most captivating destinations. I share the biggest misconceptions I see time and time again - from believing Alberobello is the main attraction to thinking Puglia is only about beaches or that the best experiences can be booked after you arrive. I explain why the region is best discovered through its food, wine, family-run masserie, local traditions, and immersive experiences that reveal a side of Puglia many visitors never get to see. I also talk about why comparing Puglia to the Amalfi Coast often leads to disappointment, and how embracing its slower pace, rural beauty, and authentic character transforms the entire journey. Whether you're planning your first Puglia itinerary or looking to experience Southern Italy beyond the typical tourist trail, this episode will help you see Puglia through a completely different lens and understand why so many travelers return home wishing they had experienced more of its true essence. Link to the YouTube video on Is Alberobello Still Worth Visiting?: https://youtu.be/pn-WkPFNoR4?si=cIIyL-YUEim_vk6k __ 0:00 What Travelers Get Wrong About Puglia 2:30 Is Alberobello Really the Highlight of Puglia? 4:21 The Puglia Experiences You Should Not Miss 6:02 Private Boat Tours, Burrata, and Wine Tastings: The Experiences Worth Adding 8:00 Why You Should Book Puglia Experiences in Advance 11:09 Puglia vs Amalfi Coast: Why They Are Completely Different __ Connect with me:  Fabulous Vita Travel Agency : ⁠https://fabulousvita.com Youtube Channel : ⁠https://youtube.com/c/StayFabulousTL⁠ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anastasiya.gorshkova/

  4. Jul 2

    The Biggest Mistakes Travelers Make When Visiting Puglia

    Planning a trip to Puglia may seem straightforward at first, but once you begin building your itinerary, the decisions quickly become far more complex. Where should you stay? Do you need one base or several? Is Alberobello worth staying in? Can you explore Puglia without a car? And how much time do you really need to experience the region properly? In this episode, I share the biggest mistakes I repeatedly see travelers make when planning a Puglia itinerary. After living in Italy for more than a decade, and running a travel agency where my team designs countless bespoke journeys across the country, I’ve learned that the success of a trip rarely depends on how many places you visit - It depends on how thoughtfully your itinerary is structured. I explain why Puglia deserves to be treated as a destination rather than a quick addition to an Italy itinerary, how to choose the right bases for exploring Valle d'Itria and Salento, why constantly changing hotels often diminishes the experience, and whether renting a car is truly necessary for discovering the region. I also share the approach we use for the clients of my travel agency when designing luxury Puglia itineraries that balance exploration with the slower rhythm of life that makes Southern Italy so special. Whether you're planning your first Puglia itinerary, searching for the best places to stay in Puglia, or wondering how to experience the region beyond the typical tourist route, this episode will help you avoid common planning mistakes and create a journey that feels seamless, balanced, and truly unforgettable. Link to the YouTube video on Should You Stay in a Masseria in Puglia? - https://youtu.be/dMie8UsExrY?si=dYoS6IlkoI4-8v1Q __ 0:00 The Biggest Mistakes Travelers Make When Planning a Trip to Puglia 3:51 Why Puglia Deserves More Than a Quick Stop 5:33 Stop Trying to See All of Puglia in One Trip 8:32 One Base or Two? How to Structure Your Puglia Itinerary 12:54 Why Constantly Changing Hotels Ruins Your Trip 15:38 Do You Need a Car in Puglia? __ Connect with me:  Fabulous Vita Travel Agency : ⁠https://fabulousvita.com Youtube Channel : ⁠https://youtube.com/c/StayFabulousTL⁠ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anastasiya.gorshkova/

  5. Jun 25

    Should You Stay in a Masseria in Puglia?

    If you’re planning a trip to Puglia, chances are you’ve come across the word “masseria” countless times. From luxury travel magazines to social media, masserias have become one of the most sought-after accommodation experiences in Southern Italy. But before booking one for your Puglia itinerary, there’s an important question to ask: Is staying in a masseria actually the right choice for your trip? In this episode, I share what every traveler should know before booking a masseria in Puglia. After living in Italy for more than a decade and returning to Puglia countless times over the years, I’ve found that many travelers reserve a masseria without fully understanding what makes these historic properties so unique. Some expect a luxury resort, others imagine a traditional hotel, while many are surprised to discover that every masseria offers something completely different.  I discuss what a masseria truly is, why no two masserias offer the same experience, and why choosing the right location can be just as important as choosing the property itself. I also explain why the best masserias are destinations in their own right - places where long breakfasts, cooking classes, olive groves, local wines, and the slower rhythm of Puglian life become part of the experience. Whether you’re searching for the best places to stay in Puglia, planning a luxury Italy itinerary, or simply curious about the authentic side of Southern Italy, this episode will help you decide whether a masseria belongs in your journey. More than just a place to sleep, a great masseria offers a deeper connection to the food, culture, traditions, and countryside that make Puglia one of Italy’s most captivating regions. __ 0:00 Should You Stay in a Masseria in Puglia? 2:40 What Is a Masseria? The History Behind Puglia’s Historic Farmhouses 3:35 Why a Masseria Is Not a Resort 5:40 Not All Masserias Offer the Same Experience 6:52 The Most Important Thing to Consider Before Booking a Masseria 9:40 Why the Best Masserias Are Destinations Themselves 12:19 The Authentic Side of Puglia Most Travelers Never Experience __ Connect with me:  Fabulous Vita Travel Agency : ⁠https://fabulousvita.com Youtube Channel : ⁠https://youtube.com/c/StayFabulousTL⁠ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anastasiya.gorshkova/

  6. Jun 11

    Is Alberobello Still Worth Visiting?

    Alberobello is one of the most famous destinations in Puglia, but it’s also one of the most debated. As more travelers add Alberobello to their Italy itineraries, I’m increasingly hearing the same question: Is Alberobello still worth visiting, or has tourism changed the experience too much? In this episode, I share my honest perspective after returning to Alberobello and explain why opinions about this unique town are often so divided. While some visitors leave disappointed, others consider it one of the highlights of their trip through Puglia. In my experience, the difference usually comes down to how you visit and what you choose to experience once you arrive. I discuss the realities of visiting Alberobello today, from navigating crowds, parking, and summer heat to understanding the difference between the town’s two historic trulli districts. I also share some of the most meaningful experiences from my recent visit, including conversations with local residents who still live inside traditional trulli homes and the stories that reveal a side of Alberobello many travelers never discover. Whether you're planning a Puglia itinerary, researching the best places to visit in Southern Italy, or wondering if Alberobello deserves a place on your trip, this episode offers practical travel advice, local insight, and a deeper look at one of Italy’s most recognizable UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Most importantly, I explain how to experience Alberobello in a way that feels authentic, memorable, and truly worth your time. __ 0:01 Is Alberobello Still Worth Visiting? 1:49 Why Some Visitors Leave Alberobello Disappointed 4:14 The Alberobello Most Tourists Never Experience 5:08 Inside a Traditional Trullo: Stories From Local Residents 7:21 How I Would Visit Alberobello Today 8:27 The Best Alberobello Experiences: Local Guides and Puglian Cuisine 12:24 My Honest Verdict: Is Alberobello Worth Including in a Puglia Itinerary? __ Connect with me:  Fabulous Vita Travel Agency : ⁠https://fabulousvita.com Youtube Channel : ⁠https://youtube.com/c/StayFabulousTL⁠ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anastasiya.gorshkova/

  7. May 28

    The Amalfi Coast Is Not What People Think

    If you’re planning a trip to the Amalfi Coast and expecting it to feel exactly like the photos you’ve seen online, this episode may completely change the way you approach one of Italy’s most iconic destinations. After living in Italy for over a decade, traveling to the Amalfi Coast for nearly twenty years, and running a travel agency that organizes bespoke trips to Italy, I’ve observed that two people can visit the Amalfi Coast at the exact same time and leave with completely different experiences. In this episode, I share the biggest mistakes I repeatedly see first-time travelers make, from underestimating Amalfi Coast transportation and summer traffic to trying to see too much in too little time. I also talk about the reality of ferries, the chaos surrounding the Blue Grotto in Capri, and why rushing between Positano, Capri, Amalfi, Ravello, and Pompeii often takes away from the very beauty people come here to experience. Most importantly, I explain what truly makes the Amalfi Coast unforgettable. Beyond the crowded streets and Instagram photos, this coastline reveals itself through slower, more intentional experiences - private boat days, hidden grottos, local food, breathtaking coastal hikes like the Path of Gods, and the quiet moments that allow you to genuinely connect with the beauty of southern Italy. Whether you’re planning your first Amalfi Coast itinerary, searching for luxury Italy travel inspiration, or trying to understand the best way to experience Positano and Capri without feeling overwhelmed, this episode will help you approach the Amalfi Coast in a far more authentic, balanced, and unforgettable way. __ 0:00 The Amalfi Coast Is Not What Most Travelers Expect 2:23 The Biggest Amalfi Coast Mistake: Underestimating Logistics 4:55 Why Trying to See Everything Ruins the Amalfi Coast 8:53 The Truth About Ferries Between Positano, Capri, and Sorrento 15:15 Is the Blue Grotto in Capri Actually Worth It? 17:15 Hidden Capri: Grottos, Swimming Spots, and Quiet Corners Most Tourists Miss 18:25 The Amalfi Coast Beyond Positano and Instagram Photos 19:33 The Path of Gods Hike: The Most Unforgettable Experience on the Amalfi Coast 22:30 The Secret to Experiencing the Amalfi Coast the Right Way __ Connect with me:  Fabulous Vita Travel Agency : ⁠https://fabulousvita.com Youtube Channel : ⁠https://youtube.com/c/StayFabulousTL⁠ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anastasiya.gorshkova/

  8. May 22

    Why Rome Feels So Overwhelming for Tourists

    Most travelers arrive in Rome believing they have planned everything perfectly, only to quickly realize that the city feels far more overwhelming in reality than it ever did online. In this episode, I talk about why Rome so often exhausts travelers, not because the city itself is difficult, but because most itineraries are built without understanding how Rome actually functions once you are here. In this episode, I unpack the small planning decisions that quietly shape the entire Rome experience and break down the logistical and cultural mistakes travelers often make. From scheduling too much immediately after arrival and underestimating how long it takes to move around Rome, to relying on taxis for airport transfers or booking major attractions too late, we discuss the details that can quickly turn excitement into unnecessary stress. I also explain why some of Rome’s most extraordinary experiences - such as the Domus Aurea or Palazzo Colonna require far more strategic planning than travelers expect, and why places like the Borghese Gallery continue to surprise visitors with how quickly tickets disappear. Beyond logistics, this episode also touches on the cultural side of traveling in Italy, including one of the most misunderstood topics among U.S. travelers: tipping etiquette. Because Rome is not a city that rewards rushing. The more intentionally it is planned, the more extraordinary and effortless the experience becomes.  __ 0:00 Why Rome Feels So Overwhelming for Tourists 2:06 The First-Day Mistake That Exhausts Travelers Immediately 4:10 Why Getting Around Rome Is Harder Than It Looks Online 5:30 Rome Taxi & Airport Transfer Mistakes Travelers Make 9:28 Hidden Rome Experiences Most Tourists Miss: Domus Aurea & Palazzo Colonna 11:33 Why Borghese Gallery Tickets Sell Out So Quickly 14:21 Tipping in Italy: What U.S. Travelers Should Actually Expect __ Connect with me:  Fabulous Vita Travel Agency : ⁠https://fabulousvita.com Youtube Channel : ⁠https://youtube.com/c/StayFabulousTL⁠ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anastasiya.gorshkova/

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Stay Fabulous is the travel podcast for dreamers, seekers, and design-minded travelers who crave more than just checklists and tourist traps. Hosted by Anastasiya, founder of Fabulous Vita Travel Agency and expert in curated travel through Italy, Greece, and France, each episode is a blend of insider insight, personal storytelling, and soulful advice on how to travel beautifully and live intentionally. From navigating the chaos of Rome to finding stillness in the Cyclades or discovering hidden towns in Provence, this podcast offers practical tips, emotional takeaways, and honest reflections from someone who’s helped thousands of Americans design unforgettable journeys through Europe. Whether you're planning your first trip to Italy or dreaming of a summer on the Amalfi Coast, Stay Fabulous is your companion for travel that feels as good as it looks.