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OUT OF OFFICE CURATED
Let's explore the world
one museum, and one plate at a time
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By Kristen Fung
Certified travel advisor
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Bon Giorno Reader,
Welcome to the Rome issue of Out of Office Curated!
There are nine weeks left of summer, and it isn’t too late to go on vacation.
- I just got back from a food and wine adventure in Napa & Sonoma and have TONS of recommendations.
- Minneapolis was the sleeper hit of the James Beard Awards and is a fantastic place to visit in late summer/early fall.
- If you want to beat the heat, I suggest Copenhagen—SAS keeps sending me fare sales.
Bringing me back to this issue…
Italy is so hot right now. Both literally and figuratively. The algorithm and travel magazines are hitting us hard with Rome, where to drink spritzes in Italy, and the ramp-up to the Winter Olympics. I, too, would love to share my Italian recommendations with you over the next three issues.
The birthday trip continued…
On the third stop of the birthday tour, we spent a long layover in Rome. Although it was just a taste of this ancient city, it made me hungry to spend more time in this open-air museum. Keep reading for my mini-itinerary.
My Rome Guide is Now Live!
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Spending a day in Rome (subscriber-only content |
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When we mentioned we were going to Rome to our foodie friends, the resounding recommendation was SantoPalato. For those of you who rolled your eyes when I mentioned foodie friends, I want you to know that this is the most neighborly, come-as-you-are restaurant. Chef Sarah Cicolini highlights traditional Roman dishes, such as carbonara and tripe, in unfussy and delicious ways. Plus, being zero-waste makes it a perfect recommendation.
Get the oxtail meatballs and carbonara + whatever is on special.
Drinks: Drink Kong
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At Drink Kong, you are never at the same bar twice. The cocktails are on a limited-time menu centered around a theme or memory. We had drinks from the Perimito e Forma menu, which is now two menus ago, or I would list my recommendations. I had one cocktail with and one without alcohol; both were stunners. If you are going to Rome, follow Drink Kong on Instagram for announcements of guest bartenders from around the world or pop-ups like Sky Kong or Night Kong.
I know why it is one of the 50 Best Bars.
Thing to do: Colosseum
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The next morning, we woke up early and took a local bus to meet our tour at the Colosseum. Being short on time, we did a self-guided, skip-the-line tour through Viator. We breezed through the security line and had an hour and a half to explore the site.
I wish I could put into words how I felt being there. Standing at a place that has stood for centuries is pretty awesome. You can see where thousands of people took part in the spectacle and violence.
I highly recommend getting a guided tour instead of what we did. Although we learned a lot from the museum on the top floor, it would have been even better with a guide. Here is an alternative tour I recommend.
Note: I may get a tiny commission from this purchase.
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You might be thinking, if Kristen can do all that in a few hours, what could she do with my four-day weekend in Rome? I can do a lot; let’s work together. I have the perfect gift that can be delivered to your hotel, and a fantastic private chef available if you rent a home/villa.
Would you like to work with me, but first want to get to know me and my services? Let's set up a call.
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Travel Tips from a Traveler
Theme: Before you get on the plane
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What to know about batteries when you fly
If you have traveled recently, you may have noticed some new regulations regarding portable battery packs. If you didn't get the update, all laptops and portable chargers must be in your carry-on or personal item due to the risk of fire/explosion. For those of you who have luggage with built-in chargers, like Away, you will need to remove them if you gate-check your bag.
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OMG, we can keep our shoes on!!!
Finally, an end to the shoe rule.
Should you keep your pre-check? I recommend you do. You still have to pull out your laptop and liquids. (For now.)
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Deals
I have access to nights free when you book three, four, or five days in Santa Barbara, Mallorca, Quebec City, Los Cabos, and more. Contact me.
I have a new tool in my arsenal that helped save clients almost $300 on already booked hotel stays.
Let’s work together.
You can also reply to this newsletter with any questions.
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Currently Planning
I am currently planning a fall trip to Jackson Hole and Yellowstone National Park for a double birthday this fall. I've booked a couple of cute boutique hotels and tours of Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone. My clients' itinerary will include restaurant recommendations and local tips for things to do. I saved them 10% on all the tours I booked for them.
Thank you for reading until the end. For more visual inspiration, follow me on Instagram. I recently shared a cute hotel I booked in Detroit, some hotel tours in Montreal, and a recent meal at Jaca Social Club.
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