Italy Adventures with Linda Perillo

Audio By Carbonatix

Linda Returns from Italy

After a two-week absence, travel expert Linda Perillo rejoins the show and immediately shares her enthusiasm for Italy. Drawing on a lifetime of travel experience and decades of involvement in the family travel business, she reflects on how travel—and Italy itself—has evolved over the years. She and Kevin discuss the importance of making travel a priority and the value it brings to families.

Traveling with Family and the Value of Tours

Linda explains that she traveled through Italy with six of her children and a daughter-in-law on a Perillo tour. Despite being an Italy expert, she says she still enjoys guided tours because they eliminate logistical hassles such as luggage transfers, transportation, and scheduling. Kevin agrees that tours can provide access to places and experiences travelers might otherwise miss.

How Italy Tourism Has Changed

The conversation explores changes in Italy's major attractions. Linda notes stricter entry requirements at sites such as the Vatican and Colosseum, including identification checks, ticket controls, and mandatory audio systems for tour groups. She shares a humorous story about being denied entry to the Colosseum because she chose not to carry the required tour radio.

A United Airlines Travel Nightmare

One of the episode's most dramatic stories involves Linda's flight to Italy. Before departure, a passenger became ill and repeatedly vomited onboard, triggering a lengthy response from airline staff. The flight was ultimately delayed five hours for cleaning and operational procedures, causing Linda and her family to lose much of their first day in Venice.

Venice: Beautiful but Different

Linda describes Venice as breathtaking as ever but notes several changes. She discusses long waits at automated passport control, the travel logistics required to reach Venice proper from the airport, and her mixed feelings about staying farther from St. Mark's Square than she would have preferred. Even so, she emphasizes the city's enduring beauty and charm.

Naples Becomes the Surprise Favorite

Perhaps the biggest revelation of the trip was Naples. Linda says the city exceeded her expectations and challenged many long-standing stereotypes. She praises its waterfront, restaurants, atmosphere, shopping, and energetic local culture. For her, Naples emerged as one of the trip's most enjoyable and unexpectedly delightful destinations.

Exploring Capri and the Amalfi Area

The discussion turns to Capri, where Linda and her family enjoyed a boat excursion and visits to the island's famous sites. She offers practical observations about crowds, transportation, and navigating the funicular railway. Kevin shares his own Capri experience, and both agree that the island's beauty makes it worth additional time if travelers can spare it.

Smart Packing and Travel Tips for Europe

To close the episode, Linda offers practical travel advice for summer travelers. She recommends wearable neck fans for coping with Europe's heat, explains the difference between voltage converters and plug adapters, and cautions travelers about bringing incompatible electrical devices. She also teases a future discussion focused entirely on packing strategies and travel essentials.

Show Announcements and Upcoming Events

Kevin and Linda promote future events, including a live broadcast and book-signing appearance on Arthur Avenue. Linda also announces an upcoming signing for her book, Your Payment Method Has Been Declined, and encourages listeners to stay engaged with future travel opportunities.