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. 5d ago

    Planning Italy for Spring 2027? You Need to Start Now

    Planning a trip to Italy in spring 2027? If April or May is on your wish list, now is the time to begin securing the details of your journey. Italy’s most exceptional boutique hotels, intimate countryside retreats, and sought-after experiences are already seeing limited availability, and waiting until next year may mean compromising on the very places and experiences that inspired your trip in the first place. As someone who has called Rome home for over a decade and runs a travel agency that creates bespoke Italy itineraries for discerning U.S. travelers, I’m sharing what we’re seeing firsthand as we plan our clients’ spring 2027 journeys. In this episode, I explain why spring has become one of the most desirable seasons to experience Italy, what is booking up first, and why there is a meaningful difference between simply finding availability and securing the right experiences for your trip. From beautifully situated boutique hotels in Rome and Florence to sea-view rooms along the Amalfi Coast, elegant lakeside stays on Lake Como, and secluded retreats in the Tuscan countryside, I’ll explain why the most desirable properties and room categories often need to be reserved well in advance. I’ll also share which exclusive experiences deserve your attention now, including the Vatican Key Master’s Tour and tickets to see Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper in Milan, along with the Italian holidays that can influence accommodation availability, transportation, and opening hours. Spring holds a particularly special place in my heart. It is a season when Italy feels wonderfully alive, from the rolling green landscapes of Tuscany and the longer afternoons along the coast to the unmistakable fragrance of jasmine filling the streets of Rome. Yet April and May are no longer months travelers can assume will be quiet or easy to book at the last minute. With this episode, I’ll walk you through the priorities to focus on now so you can plan with confidence and avoid unnecessary compromises later. Link to the YouTube video on Italy 2027: How to Turn Your DREAM Trip Into REALITY - https://youtu.be/MlLFfSdcRzc?si=2-PaO5UiAFk2eOR9 __ 0:01 Planning Italy for Spring 2027 1:06 Why You Should Book Italy Now 5:47 Best Time to Visit Italy in Spring 8:39 Italy Boutique Hotels Booking Up First 10:30 Private Tours and Exclusive Experiences 11:21 Planning Your Italy Trip With Fabulous Vita 12:41 Easter and Italian Public Holidays __ Connect with me:  Fabulous Vita Travel Agency : ⁠https://fabulousvita.com Fabulous Vita Reviews : https://www.trustpilot.com/review/fabulousvita.com Youtube Channel : ⁠https://youtube.com/c/StayFabulousTL⁠ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anastasiya.gorshkova/

  2. Oct 16

    The Best Time to Visit Provence, France (It’s NOT Summer!)

    Planning a trip to Provence, France? Before you book your summer getaway, there’s one month I would seriously consider instead of July or August: September, when you can enjoy warm, sunny days, beautiful villages, seasonal food, and vineyard experiences with fewer crowds and a more relaxed pace. In this episode, I’m sharing why September is one of my favorite times to explore Provence, from the beautiful hilltop villages of Gordes and Aix-en-Provence to the coastal charm of Cassis and the traditional Provençal markets. I’ll take you through what the weather is really like, whether the sea is still warm enough for swimming, what remains open, and why exploring the region becomes so much more enjoyable when you’re not constantly battling the summer crowds. September is also a wonderful time for food and wine lovers. Think seasonal menus, fresh produce from local markets, outdoor lunches beneath the olive trees, spectacular sunsets, and the grape harvest bringing Provence’s vineyards to life. I’ll share some of my own experiences from spending September in the region and explain why this season offers such a special way to discover authentic Provence. But September isn’t perfect for everyone. I’ll explain the biggest trade-off, including why you’ll miss the lavender fields, how the beginning of September differs from the end, and exactly when I would plan a trip to Provence if I had complete flexibility. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a French countryside escape, or a longer trip through southern France, this episode will help you choose the best time to visit Provence and plan a trip that makes the most of everything this beautiful region has to offer. Link to the YouTube video on CASSIS FRANCE - Top 5 SOUTH OF FRANCE Destinations - https://youtu.be/7YldWnqZ3Xk?si=zCp8f1KGz4CocGXZ Link to the YouTube video on Gordes, France: Is THIS the MOST BEAUTIFUL Village in PROVENCE? - https://youtu.be/j2zqobt6Ddo?si=tcGM501xKel-9Xkv __ 0:00 The Best Time to Visit Provence, France (It’s NOT Summer!) 2:15 Provence in July and August: Heat, Crowds & High Prices 5:03 Provence in September: Weather, Crowds & What’s Open 7:37 Exploring Provence: Hilltop Villages, Markets & Outdoor Dining 8:56 Provence Food & Wine: Seasonal Menus and Grape Harvest 12:58 Visiting Provence in September: The Lavender Season Trade-Off 13:42 The Best Time in September to Visit Provence, France 15:39 Planning a Provence Itinerary: Gordes, Aix-en-Provence & Cassis __ Connect with me:  Fabulous Vita Travel Agency : ⁠https://fabulousvita.com Fabulous Vita Reviews : https://www.trustpilot.com/review/fabulousvita.com Youtube Channel : ⁠https://youtube.com/c/StayFabulousTL⁠ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anastasiya.gorshkova/

  3. Oct 3

    3 Greek Islands U.S. Travelers Will Be Booking in 2027

    Planning a trip to Greece in 2027? Before you decide which Greek islands to visit, there are three destinations you should have on your radar. Milos, Paros, and Naxos are already seeing growing international interest, and everything I’m seeing points to even more U.S. travelers discovering them in the years ahead. In this episode, I’m breaking down why these three Greek islands are gaining so much attention, what the latest travel trends are telling us, and what I’m personally seeing while traveling throughout Greece. From Milos’ otherworldly landscapes and secluded beaches to the rapid transformation of Paros and Naxos’ accelerating popularity, I’ll explain what makes each island different and what growing demand could mean for your 2027 Greece itinerary. I’ll also share what I’ve witnessed firsthand after spending six summers on Paros, working with local partners across the Greek islands, and watching destinations like Milos and Naxos change in real time. Most importantly, I’ll explain why booking early matters if you want the best hotels, villas, private boat tours, guides, cooking classes, wine tastings, and other authentic Greek island experiences. Whether you’re planning your first trip to Greece, returning for another Greek island vacation, or trying to decide between Milos, Paros, Naxos, and the more established favorites like Santorini and Mykonos, this episode will help you understand where demand is heading and how to plan ahead before availability becomes the problem. And if you’re already overwhelmed by the number of Greek islands, ferry connections, accommodations, and experiences to choose from, I’ll also share how I approach these decisions when creating bespoke Greece itineraries for my clients at Fabulous Vita. Because when an island starts becoming the next big thing, the best time to plan your trip is usually before everyone else catches up. Link to the YouTube video on Is Paros Becoming the Next Mykonos? - https://youtu.be/0fe8Y0nLlqI?si=1XqsYzFHIvOIyN0i Link to the YouTube video on HOW TO PLAN YOUR FIRST TRIP TO GREECE - EVERYTHING You Need To Know! - https://youtu.be/vmWnIGmCOJg?si=v8g794_JaFS4v0dn __ 0:00 3 Greek Islands U.S. Travelers Will Be Booking in 2027 2:16 Milos in 2027: Why U.S. Travelers Are Discovering It 4:35 Paros in 2027: Is It Becoming the Next Mykonos? 8:32 Naxos: The Greek Island Set to Explode in Popularity 10:01 Milos vs Paros vs Naxos: Which Greek Island Is Right for You? 10:36 Greek Island Hotels, Boat Tours & Experiences: Book Early 11:18 Planning Your 2027 Greece Itinerary: Where Should You Start? __ Connect with me:  Fabulous Vita Travel Agency : ⁠https://fabulousvita.com Fabulous Vita Reviews : https://www.trustpilot.com/review/fabulousvita.com Youtube Channel : ⁠https://youtube.com/c/StayFabulousTL⁠ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anastasiya.gorshkova/

  4. Sep 17

    Italy in September and October: The Shoulder Season Myth

    If you’re planning to visit Italy in September or October because you’ve heard they’re the “perfect” months for fewer crowds, lower prices, and easier reservations, there’s something you need to know: that version of the Italian shoulder season is quickly becoming a thing of the past. In this episode, I’m breaking down what Italy in September and October actually looks like today, from the crowds and hotel prices to restaurant reservations, private guides, coastal destinations, and the reality of planning a fall trip. I’ll explain why September can still feel like summer, why October is a completely different experience depending on where you go, and why some of Italy’s most popular destinations remain incredibly busy well into the fall. I’ll also share why I personally love October in Tuscany, from crisp mornings and golden vineyards to white truffles, freshly pressed olive oil, seasonal food, and, of course, a good glass of Tuscan red wine. But I’ll also explain why the answer to “Is fall still a good time to visit Italy?” isn’t as simple as it used to be. Most importantly, I’ll share how far in advance you should actually plan an Italy trip for September or October if you want the best hotels, room categories, guides, experiences, and restaurants, rather than simply choosing from whatever is still available. So if you’re considering Italy in the fall, planning your first trip to Italy, or trying to decide between September and October, this episode will help you understand what these months really offer and how to plan around the new reality of Italy’s increasingly popular shoulder season. Because September and October haven’t become bad months to visit Italy. They’ve simply become misunderstood. The key is knowing what to expect, where to go, and when to start planning. __ 0:00 Italy in September & October: The Shoulder Season Myth 2:28 Why Italy’s Shoulder Season Is No Longer Quiet 7:58 September in Italy: Crowds, Weather & Prices 10:32 October in Italy: What Actually Changes? 11:25 Why October in Tuscany Is So Special 14:18 Are September & October Still the Best Months to Visit Italy? 16:01 How Far in Advance Should You Plan Italy in September or October? 18:27 The New Reality of Fall Travel in Italy __ 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. Sep 4

    5 Greek Island Experiences You’ll Regret Missing

    If you’re planning a trip to Greece, don’t make the mistake of thinking the Greek islands are simply about beautiful beaches, sunsets, and great restaurants. The experiences you choose can completely change the way you remember your trip. After years of traveling throughout the Greek islands, I’ve discovered that some of my most unforgettable memories have come from being out on the water, sitting around a family table learning to cook traditional Greek food, discovering local craftsmanship, tasting wine among the vineyards, and seeing an island through the eyes of someone who truly calls it home. In this episode, I’m sharing the five Greek island experiences I believe are genuinely worth building into your Greece itinerary, from private boat days and hidden coves to authentic cooking classes, local guides, Greek wine tastings, and discovering the traditions that make each island unique. I’ll also share some of my favorite personal experiences from across Greece, including secluded beaches in Milos, an unforgettable family cooking experience in Ios, handmade Greek sandals in Syros and Paros, and the extraordinary vineyards of Tinos. Plus, I’ll reveal a few unexpected experiences you can arrange on the Greek islands, from horseback riding in the sea and helicopter rides to kitesurfing, yoga, and private dining in your villa. Whether you’re planning your first trip to Greece, returning to a favorite island, or simply trying to decide which experiences are actually worth your time and money, this episode will help you look beyond the obvious and experience Greece in a much more meaningful way. Because the best Greek island vacation isn’t necessarily the one where you see the most. It’s the one where you experience the moments you’ll still be talking about years later. Link to the YouTube video on Planning Your First Trip to Greece? Watch This First: https://youtu.be/WcJ-KCIH7vM?si=1JZmMmUIxdrjHQk9 __ 0:01 5 Greek Island Experiences You’ll Regret Missing 1:56 Private Boat Tours in Greece: Why You Should Do One 6:12 The Best Way to Discover a Greek Island: Local Guides 9:16 Authentic Greek Cooking Classes: Food, Family & Tradition 12:36 Greek Islands Shopping: Handmade Sandals & Local Craftsmanship 16:31 Greek Island Wine Tasting: The Best Vineyards to Visit 19:11 Unique Greek Island Experiences You Didn’t Know Were Possible __ 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. 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/

  7. 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/

  8. 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/

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.

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