Dolce Vita: Tips for Living the Good Life

The Dolce Vita means different things to different people. To the movie buff, it's the classic Fellini film about an entertainment journalist torn between creating a meaningful life and enjoying the ephemeral pleasures of the alluring, but tawdry, world of showbiz journalism. To the stylish, the Dolce Vita is a flirty clothing company with a nonchalant attitude towards fashion. To the 1980's European music aficionado, it's an awesome song with up unbeatable techno beats that once held the #1 spot in most of Europe. Yet to many Italians, the Dolce Vita is something bigger, something better. The Dolce Vita, "the sweet life" or "the good life" in Italian, is a balanced way of living that brings pleasure, happiness and gratification. While in Italy, you finally have the opportunity to live the sweet life. Follow these Italian secrets and you'll be on cloud nine in no time.

Keep it Simple

Enjoy the luxury of simplicity and simple luxuries. While in Florence, get back to life's basics. Make sure to schedule time in each day just for relaxing. Florence has been around for about two thousand years and it most likely will be around another two thousand years. Don't put pressure on yourself to see, do and experience everything. Give yourself time and keep it simple. The Dolce Vita is all about tranquility and recovery.

If you enjoy shopping, look for a few nice items such as the perfect pair of shoes, a unique scarf or a fun lipstick. You'll feel better knowing you didn't spend all your money on a huge shopping extravaganza. Besides, saving some money shopping might give you extra money to spend on other parts of your trip.

Eat. Digest. Eat.

It's no wonder that Dolce Vita has a lot to do with food because life in Italy is centered around mealtimes. Every day from 12:30-2:00 and 7:30-9:30, Italians head home to eat. Families gather at the table, socialize and devour delicious Italian dishes. While in Italy, you'll enjoy the time set aside for family and friends. Instead of rushing a meal between sites and museums, take time to sit down, enjoy good company and savor the food.

Italian cuisine also contributes to the Dolce Vita. The delicious, rich and varied dishes have fresh ingredients and taste elaborately simple. You won't have any guilt because Italian food is actually good for you. Pasta increases levels of serotonin, making the body feel calmer. Tomato sauces have Lycopene, an anti-oxidant which helps fight cancerous cells. Even the favorite Italiana drinks, coffee and wine are good for you. Coffee boosts energy levels, makes the mind more alert and improves memory. Experts also say that it lowers the likelihood of suffering from depression. Red wine which has Resveratrol helps promotes healthy blood vessels, prevents blood clots and lowers cholesterol levels. Sit back, sip your wine and eat your pasta; your body will thank you.

Set Aside Time for Yourself

On vacation with tour groups, friends and family, it's often easy to get distracted and forget about yourself. Make sure that you're doing the things that you want to do while you're on vacation. Living the Dolce Vita means doing the things you most enjoy. Sleep in if you're tired. Read a book that you don't usually have time for. Go see the Florence attractions that you want to see. Even if you only get an hour, you'll feel better knowing that you have time to spend on you. Kids, husbands, boyfriends, and tour guides will just have to wait.

Explore New Things

There's nothing travel abroad does better than shift our perspective. Explore new things that give you the opportunity to see the world differently. Whether it's visiting a Florence museum, exploring the streets of Florence or talking to a local in a café, you'll feel better if you keep life fresh and engaging. Try taking an Italian lesson or cooking class. The sweet life is never stagnant.

Relax and sink into life in Italy. Live the Dolce Vita and give yourself a real vacation. Leave your boring workout routines and schedules at home where they belong. It's your vacation and you deserve it.

Find a Florence hotel, and then find a slice of the sweet life.