The Reason We Keep Going Back to Italy (Again and Again)
Italy has always felt like more than a destination to me.
It’s family, history, and a feeling I can’t quite explain - the kind of place that stays in your heart long after you’ve left.
And the reason we keep going back isn’t just for the scenery or the food… it’s the people. The hospitality in Italy is unmatched. Restaurant owners pulling tables out into the street so you can sit outside (even if it means squeezing through over other customers’ heads 😂), locals treating you like family, and moments that make you realise just how special their culture really is.
On our last trip, we had a host who was so kind to our kids, he took them into the kitchen and made them their own chef hats - and that’s Italy in a nutshell. Warm, generous, and unforgettable.
My husband is half Italian, and my father-in-law came to Australia at just nine years old, arriving by boat with his family. They settled in country Victoria and built a life from the ground up. It’s the kind of story that makes you realise how strong family roots really are - and why Italy will always mean something deeper to us.
I used to love listening to my father in-law speaking to his mother in Italian. It’s such a beautiful language…and makes me appreciate it so much when he talks to my sons in Italian.
It’s also the reason behind my brand name, Lussobound - meaning Luxe Bound. Italy has always represented that effortless kind of luxury to me… beautiful, timeless, and full of life. The Italian influence in my brand is inspired by the place that has shaped so many of our favourite memories.
🇮🇹 2015 - The Trip That Started It All
The first time we went to Italy was in 2015, when my first son was five years old. We travelled with my husband’s parents, sister and brother in-law - and that trip was where my love for Italy truly began.
We started off in Rome, which will forever be one of my favourite cities in the world. I’m not even a big “history person”, but seeing the Colosseum for the first time was genuinely mind blowing. And even now, it never gets old - every time I see it, I’m just as amazed as the first time.
One of the most memorable experiences of that trip was visiting my father-in-law’s hometown and meeting his family. The language barrier wasn’t easy, but we still managed to laugh, connect, and enjoy each other’s company.
They took us to a beautiful restaurant in Paduli called Ristorante Solaria, and I still remember the food like it was yesterday - dish after dish, the most incredible traditional Italian meals. It was one of those days filled with stories, laughter, and tears… and it’s a memory I’ll never forget.
We also visited my father-in-law’s town of birth, Buonalbergo, and even saw the ruins of the house he was born in. Another moment that felt so special and surreal - like stepping back into history, but in the most personal way.
🍋 Sorrento - Our Forever Favourite
One of our favourite towns has always been Sorrento - and we’ve been there every single time we’ve travelled to Italy.
On our first visit, we came across a beautiful family-run restaurant called Ristorante Master Hosts, and it quickly became one of those places you never forget. My son made a connection with the owner’s son (Antonio’s son), and they were playing together while my father-in-law chatted away with Antonio.
The food was incredible, so we ended up eating there another two times during that trip.
Antonio later added me on Facebook, and when we returned in 2017, he remembered us straight away and even gave us gifts. We ate there so many times again, and it honestly felt like visiting old friends.
When we went back again seven years later in 2025, so much time had passed that he didn’t quite remember us - but he was still just as kind and welcoming (we also didn’t have my husband's parents with us this time) . The food was still traditional and absolutely amazing, and I will always recommend it to anyone travelling to Sorrento.
We also spent time in Florence, wandering through the markets, admiring the Duomo, and ticking off iconic sights like Michelangelo’s Statue of David. From there, we made our way to Venice - the city built on water - getting lost in its winding streets, discovering canal after canal, and stumbling across church after church. We then cruised the Mediterranean on the MSC Divina, which was such an unforgettable way to experience Europe.
🥐 2017 - Italy With Friends (and Kids!)
When we went back in 2017, we travelled with close friends of ours from Perth and their two boys. My son was six years old at the time, and it made the trip even more special seeing the kids experience everything.
We actually started in Paris, creating core memories by drinking wine and eating a Mediterranean platter beneath the Eiffel Tower. One of those moments where you just think… is this real?
After Paris, we went on to Italy to meet up with our family again. We even dressed the boys up in gladiator costumes to help them understand the history of the Colosseum - and honestly, anything to make history more exciting for kids!
There was definitely a bit of bribery involved to keep them entertained (gelato stops, Pinocchio toys from souvenir shops… the usual!), but it was worth every second.
We visited Sorrento again (of course), and then cruised the Mediterranean on the Costa Diadema, followed by another cruise on the MSC Poesia, travelling through Italy, the Greek Islands and Croatia.
And I have to say - if you’re travelling with children, I HIGHLY recommend a cruise. There is so much for them to do, and waking up nearly every morning in a different country is something I’ll never stop finding unbelievable.
✈️ 2024 - Full Circle With Our Boys
Our next trip was seven years later, in 2024, and this time we travelled with both of our boys, aged six and thirteen. Our close friends joined us too, along with their children around the same ages - and it honestly felt like the perfect “full circle” trip.
We actually began our holiday in Bali, and flew Business Class out of Jakarta as a treat. We managed to use Velocity points to fly return (if you haven’t done it yet… get onto your points!).
Little tip: when booking Business Class flights, always check different routes - you’d be surprised at the price difference.
We started off in Rome again, and our friends met us there a couple of days later. This time, we visited Salerno and did a day trip by ferry to Amalfi - and I absolutely LOVED Amalfi. I would definitely consider staying there next time.
Salerno was lovely, but I probably wouldn’t rush back.
From there we hired a car and drove to Sorrento… and I have to admit, I’ve never feared more for my life. My husband is a great driver and was VERY confident, but I did not enjoy that drive at all. So stressful!
But we wanted to stop in Ravello, which I also loved. I probably wouldn’t stay there either (it’s up a mountain), but I’m so glad we visited.
We finally made it safely to our beautiful Hotel Cristina in Sorrento.
We did a day trip to Positano the next day, and while it was definitely beautiful… unpopular opinion, I wouldn’t be interested in staying there.
We also did the traditional ferry to Capri, which I love, love, love. It’s such a pretty island - even though it’s incredibly busy, it’s still magical walking through the streets.
After Sorrento, we caught a train to Venice, stopping in Florence for lunch just to see the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella - such a beautiful place.
Then we continued on to the city built on water.
The kids absolutely LOVED Venice. It’s such an interesting place, and watching them experience it made it even more special.
After Venice, we visited a new city for us: Rapallo, on the Italian Riviera. Another beautiful town, and we loved our accommodation there (I’ll list it in next travel blog) - it was the perfect location.
This is where we departed from our friends, and then we went on another Mediterranean cruise on the MSC Seaview.
Whenever we cruise the Mediterranean, we always love to include Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona, and Cannes - no matter what. These cities are always highlights, and next time we go back I would love to actually stay in Cannes. It’s one of our favourite stops.
Our final Italian destination was Milan - and it was also our first time there. I am SO glad we went. Even though it rained every day, I found it unbelievably beautiful.
We booked a gorgeous apartment just around the corner from the Duomo di Milano, and we loved exploring that whole area.
After Milan, we flew back to Bali for a few nights before heading home to Australia.
🤍 Why Italy Will Always Have My Heart
Every trip to Italy has been different, but each one has left its mark on me in the best way.
Italy is more than the food, the scenery, and the beauty - it’s the feeling. It’s the history, the culture, the connection, and the way life feels slower and fuller all at once - and I know SO many people that feel the exact same way.
Creating memories with our boys is what we live for… and Italy will always be one of the most special places we’ve been lucky enough to experience together, and cannot wait to plan the next trip over.
Stay tuned for hotel and restaurant recommendations..
