At Bella Vita Travels, we often hear the same assumptions when clients begin planning their trips. Especially when it comes to timing and how much needs to be booked in advance. This week, we share some more of these travel myths and why they aren’t accurate anymore.
There’s a common belief that Europe can still be explored spontaneously. Or, that traveling in “shoulder season” guarantees fewer crowds and an easier experience.
In reality, travel has changed significantly in recent years. One key idea we always come back to is planning with intention.
“We’ll Just Wing It” — The myths of booking in advance
One things we often hear is: “We’ll figure it out when we get there.”
While that may have worked years ago, it’s no longer the reality in many of Europe’s most in-demand destinations.
Cities like Rome, Florence, and Paris now operate heavily on advance reservations.
Major landmarks require timed entry, and without pre-booked tickets, visiting places like the Colosseum, the Vatican Museums, or the Uffizi Gallery can mean long waits—or missing out entirely.
The same applies to restaurants, private guides, drivers, and curated experiences. At Bella Vita Travels, we work with some of the most sought-after partners across Europe. These are the ones known for exceptional quality and unforgettable experiences. Naturally, these are also the first to book out.
And just as importantly, this applies to hotels.
In highly seasonal destinations like the Amalfi Coast and coastal areas across southern Europe, the best properties—those with ideal locations, views, service, and character—are often fully booked months in advance, particularly for summer travel.
Because we only work with a carefully selected portfolio of hand-picked hotels, there are times when availability simply runs out. Each year, we unfortunately have to turn away clients who inquire too late for places like the Amalfi Coast—not because travel isn’t possible, but because our trusted properties are no longer available.
This is exactly why planning with intention matters.
Securing the right hotel isn’t just about having a place to stay—it shapes your entire experience.
“We’ll Go in September—It’ll Be Quiet” — Shoulder Season Myths
Another very common assumption is that traveling in September or early October means fewer crowds.
While this used to be true, September is now one of the most popular times to visit Europe.
Destinations like Rome, Barcelona, and Paris remain busy, with warm weather, full restaurant scenes, and a steady flow of international travelers.
Places like Santorini and the Amalfi Coast and the Riviera (Italian and French) continue to operate at peak capacity, often hosting weddings, late-season holidays, and cruise visitors well into the month.
The benefit of September isn’t necessarily fewer people—it’s the atmosphere. The weather is beautiful, the energy is vibrant, and it’s a fantastic time to travel.
But it requires just as much preparation as peak summer.
The Takeaway
Travel today isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing it better.
Planning with intention ensures that your time is spent enjoying incredible meals, seamless logistics, and meaningful experiences—not waiting in lines or compromising on availability.
Plan Ahead, Travel Better
At Bella Vita Travels, we specialize in curating access to the very best—from exceptional hotels and restaurants to private guides and unique experiences.
Because of this, our recommendations are in high demand and require advance planning to secure.
If you’re considering a trip to Europe, we recommend reaching out early so we can design a fully customized itinerary tailored to you—while ensuring access to the places and experiences that truly elevate your trip.
The earlier you plan, the more we can do.
