Envision: The Anticipation of Travel

EuropeItaly

Mar 22

Written By Heather Lindstrom

“When you plan your next vacation, it can create positive emotions and expectations. If you have a vacation next week, this week you’ll probably be feeling better.” —Chun-Chu Chen, PhD

I’ve read that half the pleasure of travel is the anticipation. I’m in that phase now with my upcoming solo trip to Italy. I find myself envisioning the sights, sounds, tastes, and even the rose gold hues of sunset over the Arno River bathing Florence. I can almost taste the cacio e pepe (we made it in a cooking class in Tuscany) and the gelato di caffe’. I’m checking the weather report daily (mostly highs in the upper 60s) to envision my daily clothing needs and am fully packed early for this trip. Early packing definitely eases the pre-travel stress. Of course, it’s a challenge to pack for business casual/dressy events in a fashionable city like Florence, as well as explorations and adventures on the Italian Riviera. Once that suitcase is finally closed, it is what it is and I let it go.

This will be a business + pleasure trip for my Curated Travel. I’ve been invited to attend a luxury travel event in Florence, DUCO, followed by a 6-day small group trip exploring Lake Maggiore, Lucca, and Forte dei Marmi on the Italian Riviera. The itinerary looks dazzling.

““Everything about Florence seems to be colored with a mild violet, like diluted wine.”

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— Henry James, writer (1869)

With so many of my clients traveling to Italy, I always appreciate the opportunity to explore and experience the best that Italy has to offer. It is also a perk to connect in real-time with my partners from Italy and around the world. These relationships are what enable us to make our client travel seamless and memorable. The truth is, this type of business travel is also a pleasure. And yes, sometimes I even wonder, “Pinch me, am I dreaming” (how do you say that in Italian)? The travel business is my second career and I couldn’t possibly be enjoying it more.

What are you envisioning for your next travels?

You can follow along with my Italian adventures below and on Instagram here.

Grazie Mille for being here!

Heather

Travel AdvisorItalyFlorenceTuscany

Heather Lindstrom

Luxury Travel Advisor & Founder of Curated Travel

I’m Heather Lindstrom, founder and owner of Curated Travel, where I design seamless, story‑driven travel experiences for the modern traveler who values beauty, intention, and ease.

I craft bespoke itineraries for clients with a passion for wanderlust‑worthy destinations—whether it’s the charming streets of Italy, the romantic allure of France, the vibrant culture of Spain, the ancient history of Greece, the scenic landscapes of the UK, or the breathtaking coastlines of Croatia. I also curate elevated all‑inclusive escapes and luxury cruises throughout the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Mexico, French Polynesia, and beyond.

My love for travel, design, art, wine, and cuisine—paired with trusted relationships across the world’s leading luxury travel brands—allows me to secure exclusive amenities, thoughtful perks, and meaningful upgrades for my clients. In today’s travel landscape, expert and seamless planning isn’t just a luxury; it’s essential. My role is to ensure your journey unfolds effortlessly, beautifully, and far beyond what you imagined.

https://www.curatedtravel.net