Before CIMBA, I was told, emphatically, that I should not plan any weekend trips. People said to make a list of places you want to see, and then wait for your peers to go on their trips to report back. I will say this tactic leans on the anxiety-inducing, stressful side, but it is so worth it. Here is some advice on how to plan your perfect weekend trip:
1. Start with transportation
The first step you need to take in planning your weekend is figuring out how to get to your final destination. The easiest way to get around Italy is by train. At first it feels daunting trying to figure out the train station, but there are so many resources available to you. Apps like TrenItalia, Train Line, and TrenItalo are extremely helpful in booking trains and navigating the platforms. Flying in Europe is also just as easy. CIMBA provides buses to and from the Venice airport which takes the stress off of students during their travel day. Taking care of the stressful, more logistical parts first is always my go-to. It helps me feel productive while also making sure I have plenty of time to double-check everything.
2. Figure out lodging next
The next logical step would be to find a place to stay. You need to decide whether or not you want to stay in a hotel, Airbnb, or a hostel. Hotels are nice because everything is taken care of for you. The check-in process is usually seamless, and if you are lucky, they will have free breakfast in the mornings. AirBnb is great if you want a more personalized experience, or if you are traveling with a larger group. I have not stayed in a hostel yet during my study abroad experience, but I have heard great things. With all of these options, just make sure you check the ratings. Reading reviews gives great insight into how actual customers felt about their stay in any of these places. I would suggest staying close to the busier part of the city. This lets you walk to most of the sights, rather than spending money ubering to different locations. In Florence, we stayed in an Airbnb that was a 5-minute walk to the Duomo. It was so beautiful and made the city easy to navigate and extremely walkable.
3. Start planning your days
Something I found very useful was ChatGPT. If you plug in all of your details, ChatGPT can make a personalized itinerary with lots of different options. You can ask to make it budget-conscious, walking-friendly, or more historically based on what you prefer. It is so much easier than trying to plan everything yourself. I also suggest using TikTok to find things to do or recommendations for the different cities you will be traveling to. This is extra useful when you want to see people in action. I have found the best food spots by searching “Florence food recommendations” in the search bar. I would even tell you to ask any friends who have visited these cities what they did. Most people have extensive travel itineraries that they would love to give you.
Overall, I would recommend asking around. Your biggest asset is going to be your fellow CIMBA students. They will have so many restaurant recommendations, things to do, and things that did not work out for them. Listen to the stories of those around you; that is where you will learn the most. Also, do not be afraid to reach out to past students. They will have a plethora of examples that will make your life so much easier.