I went to Italy for the first time and left with 5 regrets
I spent six days exploring three cities in Italy — Venice, Rome, and Milan. It was my first time visiting the country, and I left with regrets.
By Joey Hadden
I never thought I'd be that annoying tourist until one afternoon in Venice.
I didn't imagine I would regret touring the Colosseum in Rome.
I couldn't have predicted I'd feel sour about spending one night in Milan.
This was back in October 2022, when I took my first trip to Italy as part of a two-week backpacking trip through Europe.
I traveled by train to four countries and spent six days exploring Venice, Rome, and Milan.
I was just one year into my career as a travel reporter.
I hadn't yet learned that I'd make mistakes on every trip — especially when visiting a new place — and that's OK.
Looking back, my first Italian adventure could have been even more fulfilling and sustainable if I'd known a few things beforehand.