Stay Fabulous

Anastasiya
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Weekly

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. 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/

    26 min

  2. 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/

    18 min

  3. May 15

    Most People Plan Rome Completely Wrong

    Most travelers spend months planning a trip to Rome, only to get overwhelmed, exhausted, and realizing too late that the itinerary they built made very little sense once they were actually here. In this episode, I will explore one of the biggest misconceptions about Rome: the idea that it can be approached like any other major European city. After more than a decade of living in Rome and running a travel agency, with this episode, I will offer a complete breakdown of the planning mistakes that quietly undermine so many trips. From attempting to combine the Vatican Museums and the Colosseum in a single day, to underestimating how much time, energy, and coordination Rome actually requires, I discuss what travelers rarely understand until they experience the city themselves. I also explain why two days in Rome are rarely enough, how ticketing for major attractions has become increasingly complex, and why waiting until the last minute to organize tours and experiences is one of the fastest ways to compromise the quality of your trip. Beyond the landmarks, this episode touches on the rhythm of Rome itself - its neighborhoods, pace, hidden corners, and the difference between simply seeing the city and truly experiencing it. Because Rome is not difficult to enjoy, but it does require structure. And when planned properly, it becomes one of the most extraordinary cities in the world to experience slowly, intentionally, and well. Link to the YouTube video on WHAT TO DO IN ROME THAT NOBODY KNOWS! - MUST-WATCH Before You Travel to Italy: https://youtu.be/3hmj7CEyYl0?si=3kNCz43Ip1eplRxY Link to the YouTube video on ITALY Trip Planning 2026: How to Book Your DREAM TRIP Like an INSIDER: https://youtu.be/sk1Gn-eN3eo?si=1b-03M7zUhbKOtOg __ 0:01 Most People Plan Rome Completely Wrong 0:57 Why Rome Is More Exhausting Than Travelers Expect 2:20 The Biggest Rome Itinerary Mistake: Vatican & Colosseum in One Day 4:54 Why 2 Days in Rome are Not Enough 7:19 Rome Ticket Mistakes: Tours, Third-Party Websites & Sold-Out Attractions 12:15 Why Last-Minute Planning Does Not Work in Rome 18:00 The Venice Day Trip Mistake & How to Structure Italy Properly __ Connect with me:  Fabulous Vita Travel Agency : ⁠https://fabulousvita.com Youtube Channel : ⁠https://youtube.com/c/StayFabulousTL⁠ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anastasiya.gorshkova/

    23 min

  4. May 7

    Skipping Bordeaux Might Be the Biggest Mistake of Your France Trip

    Most U.S. travelers planning a trip to France naturally focus on Paris and the South of France, while quietly overlooking one of the most rewarding destinations in the country: Bordeaux. Often perceived simply as a wine destination, Bordeaux is far more layered than most travelers expect. Beyond its world-renowned vineyards lies one of the most distinctive culinary regions in France, access to extraordinary day trips, and a city that feels calmer, more elegant, and significantly easier to experience than many of the country’s larger destinations. In this episode, you will explore why Bordeaux deserves a place on your France itinerary and what makes it so unique. From the medieval charm of Saint-Émilion and the grand estates of the Médoc to the Atlantic coastline, oyster villages, and the breathtaking Dune du Pilat, Bordeaux offers an extraordinary range of experiences without requiring constant movement between destinations. I also discuss what makes the city itself so compelling: its walkability, café culture, refined atmosphere, exceptional food scene, and the slower rhythm that allows travelers to genuinely enjoy France rather than rush through it. __ 0:01 Why Skipping Bordeaux Could Be the Biggest Mistake of Your France Trip 2:02 Why Most U.S. Travelers Overlook Bordeaux 3:15 Bordeaux Beyond Wine: What Makes the City So Different 5:22 Saint-Émilion, Médoc & The Best Day Trips from Bordeaux 7:50 The Médoc Experience: Châteaux, Vineyards & Legendary Wines 10:07 Atlantic Coast Escapes: Oysters, Cap Ferret & Dune du Pilat 11:42 Bordeaux Food & Wine: What Makes the Region Exceptional 15:13 How to Add Bordeaux to Your France Itinerary 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/

    20 min

  5. Apr 30

    Renting a Car in France? What U.S. Travelers Need to Know First

    Renting a car in France can elevate your trip or complicate it in ways most travelers don’t anticipate. In this episode, I explain what U.S. travelers need to understand before booking a rental car in France, and why the real question is not whether to rent one, but where, when, and for how long it actually makes sense. While driving is unnecessary and often impractical in cities like Paris, the experience shifts entirely once you move into regions such as Provence, the Bordeaux countryside, or Dordogne. These areas are not built around train travel, and accessing villages, wineries, markets, and countryside properties requires a far more flexible approach, one that often depends on having a car. Beyond the decision itself, this episode unpacks the details that frequently catch travelers off guard: limited rental office hours, midday closures, the prevalence of manual cars, and the importance of booking correctly in advance. It also offers a grounded perspective on what driving in France actually feels like, from navigating narrow village streets to managing toll roads and parking. For those considering alternatives, I also talk about when it makes sense to rely on private drivers or structure your stay around a central base, rather than committing to a car for the entire trip. Because in France, the most successful itineraries are not built around fixed rules, but around a clear understanding of how the country truly works and how to move through it with ease. __ 0:00 Renting a Car in France: What U.S. Travelers Get Wrong 1:29 Do You Need a Car in France? Where It Actually Makes Sense 2:20 Car Rental Hours in France: Lunch Closures & Timing Mistakes 4:02 Self-Service Car Rental in France 6:02 Automatic vs Manual Cars in France: What to Book in Advance 7:50 Driving in France: Roads, Parking, Tolls & What to Expect 8:40 Rental Strategy: When to Use a Car vs Private Driver __ Connect with me:  Fabulous Vita Travel Agency : ⁠https://fabulousvita.com Youtube Channel : ⁠https://youtube.com/c/StayFabulousTL⁠ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anastasiya.gorshkova/

    12 min

  6. Apr 23

    Booking a Hotel in Paris? What U.S. Travelers Get Wrong

    Booking a hotel in Paris may seem straightforward, but for many U.S. travelers, it’s where expectations and reality begin to diverge. In this episode, we explore one of the most overlooked aspects of planning a trip to: how choosing the wrong hotel can quietly affect every single day of your experience. Unlike in the United States, where hotels often follow a consistent and predictable standard, Paris operates differently. Properties are frequently set within historic buildings, rich in character and location, but far less uniform in layout, amenities, and overall comfort. Room sizes tend to be smaller, elevators are not always guaranteed, and details such as air conditioning or bed configuration require far more attention than most travelers anticipate. Beyond the room itself, location becomes a defining factor. Each neighborhood in Paris carries its own rhythm, atmosphere, and level of convenience - shaping not only how you move through the city, but how the city feels to you. Choosing the right area is not simply about proximity, but about aligning the setting with the pace and experience you want your trip to have. This episode offers a clear, experience-led perspective on how to approach hotel selection in Paris with intention. From understanding what truly matters in a stay to avoiding the common mistake of booking based on photos alone, you will gain the insight needed to make decisions that elevate your time in the city. __ 0:00 Booking a Hotel in Paris: The Mistake U.S. Travelers Make 1:17 Paris vs U.S. Hotels: What Works Differently 2:46 Hotel Room Size in Paris: What to Expect Before You Book 4:25 Air Conditioning, Elevators & Bed Sizes: Comfort Details That Matter 8:35 Where to Stay in Paris: Why Location Shapes Your Entire Trip 10:29 The Biggest Booking Mistake: Choosing Hotels Based on Photos __ Connect with me:  Fabulous Vita Travel Agency : ⁠https://fabulousvita.com Youtube Channel : ⁠https://youtube.com/c/StayFabulousTL⁠ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anastasiya.gorshkova/

    16 min

  7. Apr 16

    Planning France Like Italy? That’s Why Trips Go Wrong

    Most travelers approach France the same way they plan a trip to Italy, and that’s often where things begin to fall apart. In this episode, I will unpack one of the most common mistakes in European travel planning: assuming that France can be navigated as seamlessly by train as Italy. While Italy’s high-speed network connects cities like Rome, Florence, and Milan with ease, France operates on a fundamentally different rhythm - one that requires a more thoughtful, region-based approach. Centered around Paris, the country’s high-speed rail system makes travel to major regions efficient, but far less intuitive when moving between them. Destinations such as Bordeaux, Lyon, and Marseille are well connected to Paris, yet rarely to each other in a way that supports a fluid, multi-stop itinerary. And once you arrive, the journey is often far from complete. In places like Aix-en-Provence, reaching the heart of the experience requires an additional layer of coordination - private transfers, taxis, or a rental car. It is here that the second major distinction emerges. Beyond Paris, regions such as Provence, Dordogne, and the Bordeaux countryside are not built for train-based exploration. Villages, vineyards, local markets, and countryside estates are dispersed, making a car not simply a convenience, but an essential part of experiencing France as it is meant to be experienced. Without it, even the most beautifully imagined itinerary can quickly become constrained by logistics, availability, and timing. This episode offers a refined, behind-the-scenes perspective on what truly goes into planning a seamless journey through France. From understanding the structure of the rail network to navigating the realities of car rentals, regional travel, and day-to-day logistics, you will gain the clarity needed to avoid common pitfalls and plan your trip with intention. __ 0:01 Planning France Like Italy: Where Trips Go Wrong 1:40 France vs Italy Travel: Why the Systems Work Differently 3:41 Beyond the Train Station: Why Access Changes Everything 5:08 Renting a Car in France: Timing, Logistics & What Travelers Miss 11:42 Where France Itineraries Break: Logistics Most Travelers Miss 13:30 How to Plan France Properly: A Region-Based Approach __ Connect with me:  Fabulous Vita Travel Agency : ⁠https://fabulousvita.com Youtube Channel : ⁠https://youtube.com/c/StayFabulousTL⁠ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anastasiya.gorshkova/

    17 min

  8. Apr 3

    Do You Really Need a Car in Italy - Or Not?

    Planning a trip to Italy often starts with the assumption that trains will take you everywhere. But as your itinerary begins to take shape, the reality becomes far more nuanced. In this episode, I explore one of the most common and most misunderstood questions for Italy travel: do you actually need a car, or not? The answer depends entirely on how you experience the country. In cities like Rome, Florence, Milan, and Naples, a car quickly becomes an unnecessary complication, with restricted traffic zones, limited parking, and an overall pace that is best enjoyed on foot or through well-connected transport. Even in destinations such as the Amalfi Coast, what appears romantic in theory often proves impractical in reality, where narrow roads, traffic, and logistics are better handled with private transportation. The experience shifts entirely when you move beyond the cities, into regions like Tuscany, Puglia, and the Dolomites. Here, a car is not simply a convenience - it is what allows the journey to unfold as it should. From countryside estates and coastal landscapes to small towns, wineries, and local experiences, these parts of Italy are defined by freedom of movement and thoughtful exploration. With this episode, I want to give you a refined, experience-led perspective on planning transportation in Italy, guiding you through when renting a car makes sense, when it does not, and how to approach both options with clarity.  Link to the YouTube video on 10 THINGS You MUST Know Before DRIVING in ITALY! Car Rental, ZTL, Speed Camera & More: https://youtu.be/VN9NfMoRGy0?si=GZO5J8VrWRH4oBEk __ 0:00 Do You Need a Car in Italy? The Truth Most Travelers Miss 1:19 Driving in Rome, Florence & Milan: Why It’s a Mistake 4:23 Amalfi Coast: Should You Drive or Hire a Private Driver? 6:31 Why You Need a Car in Tuscany, Puglia & the Dolomites 10:34 Renting a Car in Italy: Essential Tips Before You Book 13:30 How to Plan the Perfect Italy Itinerary (Car vs No Car) __ Connect with me:  Fabulous Vita Travel Agency : ⁠https://fabulousvita.com Youtube Channel : ⁠https://youtube.com/c/StayFabulousTL⁠ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anastasiya.gorshkova/

    17 min
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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.

Information

  • Creator
    Anastasiya
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    63
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Stay Fabulous
  • Show Website
    Stay Fabulous

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