Travel

All my best travel tips โ€” from favorite cities to packing advice, plus go-to hotels, and those restaurants I just keep going back to!


Favorite Packing Items

Favorite Suitcase

Clothing Rack for organizing outfits

Hold ON gallon bags for small items

Favorite Carry-on Handbag

Tips on Self-Tanners

Favorite Travel Accessories

Milan, Italy

Where to dine:ย 

Moebius Milano โ€“ We truly canโ€™t say enough wonderful things about this restaurant. Chef Enrico is exceptional. The fact that he created a genuinely delicious, multi-course meal for 100 guests is incredible โ€” and every single course was beautifully executed. The atmosphere is vibrant and fun, and the decor is absolutely stunning. Itโ€™s the kind of place that feels both elevated and welcoming at the same time.

Dry Milanoย โ€“ We spent our last night in Milan at this fun spot, known for pairing incredible pizzasโ€” made with the finest ingredients โ€” with equally amazing cocktails. The chef and staff were so kind, and he even made us a specialย USA tiramisu cakeย โ€” such a sweet way to end the trip!

Marchesi 1824 Bakery โ€“ the iconic Prada-owned bakery was such a special experience. Renowned for their exquisite pastries, coffee, and refined atmosphere. Perfect for people-watching with views overlooking the Galleria.

Rovello @ristorantedongio

Bar Paradiso

Antica Osteria Cavallini โ€“ this was another spot that the whole family enjoyed. Nice atmosphere, great staff, and most importantly, delicious food!

SBAM Gelatoย โ€“ Tucked into two neighborhood cornersโ€”one on Via Ozanam, the other on Via Washingtonโ€”SBAM brings a clever, playful sensibility to the cityโ€™s gelato scene. The family LOVED this delicious gelato party โ€“ a must stop!

Where to stay โ€“ Milan:ย 

For a unique castle experience in Parma (a little over an hour away from Milan):ย Castello di Tabiano.

In Milan:ย Principe Di Savoia

Where to stay โ€“ Livigno:

AK Chalet โ€“ Greta and her husband, Luise, own two truly incredible luxury chalets in the heart of Livigno. If youโ€™re looking for a beautiful mountain home to share with family or friends, this is it. Each chalet features an entire first floor dedicated to a private spa โ€” complete with a large indoor hot tub, an outdoor hot tub, steam room, sauna, and even a massage room. It was such a special place for our family to unwind and spend time together after long days in the mountains. Both homes also include an elevator, making them especially comfortable and accessible for everyone.

Erker โ€“ Milena and her family own several homes and apartments in Livigno. We rented all four of Milenaโ€™s apartments in Chalet Carla, which was very close to AK Chalet. Each apartment had two bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and parking. Chalet Carla also had a shared spa area. Milena was great to work with, and Iโ€™m sure all of her properties are very nice.

Who to tour with:ย 

Elizabeth De Filippo-Jones of Fazool Food Tours and Risotto and Steel was our guide in Milan and truly the MVP of our time there. She helped plan our family dinner at Moebius and took us on an incredible tour of the city last summer. She is so knowledgeable, well-connected, and full of the best recommendations โ€” we couldnโ€™t have done it without her.

Vincenzo and Christina Pelino were our chefs at Castello di Tabiano. They are also owners ofย Pelinoโ€™s Pastaย in Columbus, Ohio. Check out their Italy tours (below). They are so passionate about the food they source and have a wealth of knowledge.ย 

In Parma, Italy:ย Ciaolatte farm โ€“ A family-owned and operated organic dairy farm specializing in the production of certified organic Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.ย 

In Columbus, Ohio: Caffe Pelinoย  (@caffepelino) โ€“ Pasta-making classes and special event dinners.ย 

PR Support:ย Violetta Sturiale, founder ofย VS Studio Agency.

What to Drink:ย 

Franciacortaย not only sponsored our dinner but also welcomed us to tour several wineries within their consortium. Castello Bonomi and Bellavistaย were incredibly gracious hosts, and we were especially impressed by Bellavistaโ€™s collection of six million bottles aging in their beautiful cellars. It was such a special way to experience the region and its winemaking traditions firsthand.

Doladiraย served the prettiest rhubarb and elderflower cocktails made with all-natural ingredients โ€” including rhubarb and carrot for their beautiful red hue โ€” and crafted with 60% less sugar than other leading aperitivi.

Bialettiย gifted our guests the cutestย Moka Expressย single-serve espresso makers, engraved with HBH. A true Italian classic and the sweetest keepsake.

Lโ€™Agona Vini โ€“ Giorgia Puccinelli visited us while we were staying at Castle Tabiano and introduced us to her familyโ€™s winery. We very much enjoyed her wine tasting!ย 


New York, NY

Favorite NY Restaurants


Los Angeles, CA


Miami, FL



Family Destinations

Nine Favorite Things | halfbakedharvest.com

Sayulita, Mexico โ€“ย Villa Pelicanos

Vrboย โ€“ Very minimal, chic, and clean, with lots of natural stones and glass. Every Casita was slightly different, but each was so beautiful.

Read more about our trip!

Miami, Florida

We stayed at theย 1 Hotel in South Beach. I personally thought it was probably the best place to stay in Miami, and it worked out really well for my family.

Read more about our trip!

Nine Favorite Things | halfbakedharvest.com
Nine Favorite Things | halfbakedharvest.com

Aspen, Colorado

If youโ€™ve traveled to Aspen, you probably know about The Little Nell. Itโ€™s one of the prettiest hotels right at the bottom of the mountain with quick access to the charming town of Aspen.

Read more about our trip!

Nine Favorite Things | halfbakedharvest.com

Iโ€™d love to hear from you too โ€” drop your go-to travel tips, favorite destinations, must-try restaurants, or travel accessories in the comments!