Daria Di Lello

Ask anyone and they’ll tell you driving in Italy is a nightmare. When I explained to U.S. friends and distant Italian relatives that my girlfriend and I were planning an Italian road trip, both parties were quick to respond with sensationalized warnings about narrow, curving roads, hot-headed speeders, and single lane passing. But it’s not actually as terrifying as people make it out to be: the Autostrade is pretty similar to U.S. highways, only less crowded, which means less traffic.

You may have never heard of Rye, New York, before, but if you call Manhattan home, and you’re “so over” the usual Long Island or upstate day trip, then this adorable town in Westchester should be next on your summer to-do list. Rye’s downtown is lined with tons of cute shops offering unique treasures, and with acres upon acres of lush forest and warm beaches, it’s the perfect place to unwind and get away from the craze of the city.