With some additional free time this month, I have been planning a solo trip these past weeks. When looking at how I could use this time, there were many destinations I was considering. Using Google Docs, I was working on multiple itineraries and flights to consider. What would be the best option?

When I started looking into this, I had just returned from Barcelona and, as a result, considered returning to Spain, specifically to Seville or Madrid this time. However, I decided to return to a country I loved—one renowned for its beauty, history (and food).

Florence

Italy is one of our favourite countries to visit. We have been to Florence, Rome, Venice, Milan, and various places in Lake Como. It is beautiful, the food is excellent, and every place has unique characteristics. Our first visit to Florence was in 2018; somehow, that seems recent while seeming like a lifetime ago. Our hotel in Florence was feet from the steps of the Florence Cathedral (photo below), and it was a great introduction to the allure of Florence. I am anxious to return.

Matera

Matera, Italy, is approximately 600 km south of Florence. My first nights will be here. The ancient city is in the region of Basilicata and is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, dating back to the Paleolithic era.

There are no flights to Matera as there is no airport; the closest arrival point by plane is Bari International. From the airport, one can drive or take a bus to Matera, 55 km away. Matera’s allure is not just in its historical significance but also in its beauty. The “Sassi” region of Matera includes winding streets of ancient and medieval architecture. Its beauty is fully displayed in the 2021 James Bond film “No Time to Die,” where some of the movie’s pre-title scenes and the first car chase occur in Matera.

I’ve wanted to visit this city long before the film’s release in 2021. Researching Italy years ago before visiting the first time, Matera came up a lot while looking at Southern Italy destinations. It was a place I was very close to visiting earlier this year.

Day Trips

I have five days in Matera and six days in Florence, and I am considering day trips. This will be weather and time-dependent, but jumping on the train to other areas is affordable and convenient. I’m considering getting an early morning train and visiting Bologna, but I am also contemplating Pisa, Lucca, and Siena from Florence.

Travel When You Can

The best time to travel is now. I have discussed before that there is no perfect time to travel. There will always be something that makes you think twice about going. Even if everything seems to fall into place, there will always be something in the back of your mind that seems to creep up and take its place as a priority item to consider. Now, spending money foolishly and not focusing on life’s priorities and responsibilities is not what I am advocating. What if things are taken care of, you have the time, and the travel investment will not detract from other, more important responsibilities? Use that time and invest in an experience. You will not regret your time away, and the experience will be with you long after you return home.

Packing for Italy

As usual, I will not be checking a bag. I’ll be gone for 12 days, and since I will be travelling alone, I won’t be doing anything fancy, so what I bring for clothes can be limited to only the most comfortable and necessary. Regarding camera gear, here is what I have:

Camera Gear

• Fujifilm X-H2 with 3 batteries

• 35mm f/2

• 23mm f/2

• K&F Concept 43mm Polarizing Filter

• 2 x CF Express (1 x 256GB and 1 x 128GB)

• 3 x SD Cards (1 x 256GB and 2 x 128GB)

• DJI Osmo Pocket 3 with 256GB Micro SD

• Thule Aspect Backpack

Miscellaneous

• Travel Adapter

• Headphones

• Ultra Pod 2 Mini Tripod

• MacBook

• 1TB WD Portable Hard Drive

• Orange Travel SIM card with 12GB of data

Summary

Looking at potential solo trips, it was easy to consider Spain as it was fresh in my mind from visiting Barcelona in May. Seville and Madrid are two locations in Spain that I want to visit soon. But it’s been five years since I’ve been to Italy, with the last trip being to Milan and Lake Como. I eagerly anticipate returning to one of the most beautiful and fascinating countries. After six years, I’ll return to Florence and spend time in Matera for the first time.