Italy might look small on the map, but it’s a country of immense diversity. Many travelers cram in Rome, Florence, Venice, Amalfi, and Milan in a week—leaving them exhausted and with only surface-level impressions.
Avoid it: Focus on two or three regions max. Spend more time soaking in local life instead of rushing from one city to another.
Hidden across forests, lakes, and quiet villages, France’s lesser-known castles offer fairytale charm without the crowds. These enchanting estates and ruins reveal secret histories, dramatic landscapes, and authentic beauty many travelers never experience.