Frequently Asked Questions
Why RLTI?
What is Roads Less Traveled Italy?
What are the benefits of a Self-Guided Tour?
What makes Roads Less Traveled Italy
different from other travel agencies?
Besides having complete flexibility to do exactly what you want on your own timeline, including changing things as you go, self-guided tours have the extra benefit of being able to choose to avoid crowds. If a sight seems too crowded to you, simply shift gears and take a walk to find someplace interesting without the crowds. If the outside seating at a restaurant is full, grab some food to go and head to the nearest park. All the choices are completely up to you!
With my in-depth knowledge and your input, we craft a journey specifically tailored to your desires. When I make recommendations for you it is because I believe they are the best options for your trip based on what you have told me about your travel dreams.
I am not financially supported by accommodations or tour companies who pay me to send you to them.
I believe that tourism should benefit destinations as well as the traveler. To this end, I donate 15% of my fees to Planeterra, a non-profit organization that supports community tourism enterprises. The bottom line is I’m not doing this to make a lot of money; I’m doing this to help people enjoy a new way of traveling to one of the most beloved countries in the world.
See Why Travel This Way – A Comparison for more details
Why trust Roads Less Traveled Italy with planning your cherished journey?
Traveling and planning trips in Italy over the past two decades has given me a deep personal knowledge of the country. Fluent in Italian, I have longtime relationships with locals and am constantly learning about new hidden gems to share with my travelers. As a retired school counselor, I go out of my way to provide superlative customer service, and to assist travelers in turning their ideas into reality.
Why should I work with Roads Less Traveled Italy when I can just book travel online myself?
Yes, you could book your travel yourself with an online booking tool or do hours of research on the internet. But, when you choose Roads Less Traveled Italy, you get years of experience and research focused on fulfilling your travel desires, giving you the confidence to relax and experience the off the beaten path places you visit.
I pride myself on creating sustainable trips that are available to people on any budget, as well as partnering with local guides that focus on cultural, food & wine, and nature-themed excursions.
Who is the typical RLTI client?
Roads Less Traveled Italy is for curious travelers on any budget who want to experience the remarkable treasures of Italy. Whether you are looking for an active adventure in one of Italy’s phenomenal National Parks, a low-key trip to relax at the beach and explore nearby villages, or a deep dive into the food and culture of one of Italy’s world class cities, I can plan the perfect journey for you.
My belief is that Sustainable Travel is for everyone, and I look
forward to matching your budget to your travel dreams.
What is Sustainable Travel anyway?
Sustainable Travel has three aspects:
It promotes and supports the cultural heritage and traditional values of the country.
It supports locally owned businesses (Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, Agriturismi, Restaurants, Tour Guides, Artisans, etc.)
It supports natural environments through promoting outdoor activities that respect nature and working with businesses that are ecologically conscious.
Sustainable Travel is for anyone who values the culture and natural beauty of the destination they are traveling to.
How does RLTI work?
How do I get started?
Ideally, you get in touch with me at least 3 months before you want to travel and share a few details about the trip you have in mind using the Travel Inquiry Form. Or simply contact me via email. We’ll schedule an initial conversation where I’ll share some ideas I have based on the information from your Travel Inquiry Form, as well as answer questions you have about my services and the fees associated with them.
To learn more about what each region has to offer, Discover Italy’s Regions. If you’d like to see sample trips, as well as understand some of the options offered, check out Sample Trip Ideas and Options.
I’m on board. Now what?
If you would like to use my expertise for either customized trip planning, or to custom build and book your full itinerary, I will send you some follow-up questions and my service contract to sign, as well as an invoice for 30% of my fees based on the services you request.
If you would like me to consult on your itinerary instead, you’ll just pay the flat fee after our initial conversation, and we’ll go from there.
See Service Options and Fees for a detailed description of the options above.
What are all of the service options you offer and what will I receive from RLTI before I depart for my trip?
See Service Options and Fees for a detailed description of the options and inclusions.
What if I want to make changes to the initial trip plan?
After your initial payment, I will send you a draft trip plan and you will have the opportunity to provide feedback and ask for any changes. Once you are happy with the ideas I’ve proposed, I’ll incorporate them into the finalized trip plan. I will do my utmost to make sure it is perfect for you!
Is it possible to make any changes to the plan after receiving the final version?
In most cases I can accommodate minor changes, but I can’t create an entirely new plan without charging an additional fee for my time. I suggest selecting the Purple Level option if you would like on trip support/concierge service to have me available to assist with any on the fly changes to your daily itinerary while traveling.
What if I want to take a break and just pass the day wandering or taking it easy? Do I have control over that?
Absolutely! That is the beauty of RLTI. In this case, I would suggest selecting the Orange Level option. I’ll recommend transportation and accommodations for you up front so you can make reservations and get around the country. Your trip plan will include ideas for experiences, excursions, and dining that you might like based on your travel preferences, as well as all of the information you need to book these on the fly if you so choose.
Can you help me get around within the areas I’m staying?
Yes, I’ll supply you with all the information you need get around, including bus and train schedules, car and bike rental options, and contact information for local taxis.
Refunds and Insurance
Do I need Travel Insurance?
You are strongly encouraged to purchase travel insurance! Travel insurance covers such things as cancellations, missed connections, illness or injury while traveling, lost or stolen luggage, and other emergencies.
What is your Cancellation & Refund Policy?
Free cancellation and a full refund of your Service Fee deposit is guaranteed within 24 hours of your initial payment.
After 24 hours from initial payment, if you need to cancel, any Service Fee paid will be turned into a voucher which can be used for planning the same trip as was outlined in our initial meeting.
All recoverable costs will be refunded, but certain non-recoverable costs may be lost based on timing of cancellation. Keep in mind that airlines and accommodations may not completely refund all costs.
For more details, see RLTI Terms and Conditions.
Roads Less Traveled Italy seeks to offer travelers unparalleled experiences in the off the beaten path villages as well as the world-renowned cities in Italy. I work with your preferences and budget to customize your travel experience.
I offer you the chance to take a self-guided trip, getting to know the people and customs of the places you visit. Imagine staying on a farm in the middle of the Venetian countryside, taking a pottery class in a little village in Umbria or experiencing a local festival in Basilicata that has been going on for hundreds of years.
The best part of it all? Save hours of travel research and relax before your next adventure!
Booking service is part of the Purple Level Option only.