Italy

Italy doesn’t do casual, no matter how late your friends are to dinner (because everyone is late to dinner). It loves big, feels big, and yes—gestures big. It’s a country that lives life like it’s the main character, where the espresso is strong (and never served in to-go cups), the fashion’s stronger, and every meal feels like a cinematic moment. You’re here for the ruins and the Renaissance, sure—but also for nonna’s secret pasta recipe, the chaotic joy of a morning market, and that little side street where time just…stops, and a passionate futbol culture with storied rivalries. Soak in the summer sun, ski in the mountains, drink the wine, argue about the offsides rule, and live on hand-cut pasta… this is the good life.