Stepping off the plane into a brand-new country always brings a mix of excitement and curiosity, but for Santea, this trip to Italy was more than just another stamp in the passport—it was a full-blown Italy travel adventure. From luxurious flights to unexpected cultural discoveries, his journey across Europe was packed with unforgettable moments.
Flying in Style: Long-Haul Comfort
The trip kicked off with a 14-hour flight from the U.S. to Amsterdam, followed by a shorter hop to Turin, Italy. And while most travelers settle for economy class, Santea made sure to get a taste of premium comfort. With extra legroom, cozy blankets, and even pajamas, his seat was a world away from the cramped conditions of standard airline travel. But the real shock? The price tags.
Seats ranged from $1,200 in the back of the plane to a jaw-dropping $10,000 for ultra-luxury options. Santea, always the deal-hunter, managed to snag his spot for $2,000—what he called an absolute steal.
A Layover in Amsterdam: The European Airport Experience
Touching down in Amsterdam for a quick layover, Santea was immediately struck by the vibe of the airport. Unlike anything he’d seen in the U.S., Schiphol Airport felt more like a high-end shopping mall than a transit hub. Luxury stores, gourmet food, and travelers speaking every language imaginable made for a dynamic pit stop.
One culture shock? The open availability of alcohol. Unlike American airports, where drinks are usually confined to bars and restaurants, he noticed that Europeans had no problem grabbing a beer and strolling around. Tempted but keeping it classy, he passed on the 8 a.m. drink—at least for now.
Arriving in Italy: First Impressions of Turin
Landing in Turin, Santea officially set foot in Italy for the first time. His hotel room, with a stunning view of the city, set the tone for what was about to be a bucket-list-worthy trip. After a quick tour of his accommodation—complete with a mysterious bathroom phone and an intimidatingly high-tech bidet—he was ready to explore.
Shopping for a Ski-Themed Party in Italy
But first, there was a mission: find an outfit for a ski-themed birthday party. His friend Sabrina, whom he met during the Qatar World Cup, had invited him to celebrate with a group of international guests. Knowing that French and Italian guests would bring their A-game in fashion, Santea was determined to match their style.
In true Santea fashion, his shopping spree ended with a simple but stylish choice—ski goggles—since he already had the rest of the outfit covered. Practical and effortlessly cool.
Culture Shock Moments: Monopoly Money and Cigarette Customs
As any first-time traveler to Europe knows, culture shock is inevitable. For Santea, the biggest surprises came in the form of local currency and cigarette customs.
Holding a euro bill for the first time, he couldn’t help but compare it to Monopoly money, surprised by the colorful and unfamiliar design. But the real revelation came when he met locals who explained the ritual behind cigarettes—flipping one in the pack for good luck and offering smokes as a way of saying hello.
And while he wasn’t about to pick up a new habit, he couldn’t help but appreciate the cultural differences.
Italian Coffee Rituals and the Art of Digesting Pasta
One of the best ways to experience a country is through its food, and in Italy, every meal is an event. Over dinner, Santea learned about an unexpected Italian tradition: drinking a shot of espresso before a big pasta meal to help with digestion.
A small but fascinating detail, it was yet another glimpse into the unique customs that make Italy so special.
What’s Next? More Adventures in Italy
With just one day down, Santea’s Italian journey was only beginning. From exploring the streets of Turin to experiencing nightlife, food, and fashion, his time in Italy promised to be full of surprises.
As he geared up for more days of vlogging and adventure, one thing was certain—this first trip to Italy wouldn’t be his last.
Stay tuned for more travel tales as Santea continues his European adventure. Not sure what to pack for European traveling? Look for some great suggestions in this article here.
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