Know Before You Go/ Exploring Naples

How many of you said 2020 was supposed to be your year of travel? *Raises hand* As you all know, I have always traveled a lot, but 2020 was going to be extra special with incredible trips. Then..Covid. I canceled so many trips for myself and for others (I’m a travel agent on the side if you didn’t know). After taking over a year off from getting on a plane, I finally made my way to Naples, FL with my mom. I can’t tell you how excited, and nervous I was to get back out there. So before I get to Naples and how that was, I’ll share a few bits of info on what to be aware of/what to know before you go.

Flying– No matter where you fly out of, masks are mandatory the entire time. This may be uncomfortable for you so wear one that is fitting and breathable to protect yourself and others. I flew out of a major airport for a different trip and had different experiences based on who I flew with. With Delta, they still keep the middle seats open, which felt comfortable and safe for me. On American, they filled every seat. This pretty much gave me anxiety the whole time, although I’m sure everything was fine.

Covid Tests– I highly encourage anyone who is flying (and doesn’t have the vaccine) to get a Covid test at least a few days before you go. Of course, you can pick up Covid anywhere, but it’s still a good thing to do. For extra precaution, get a test when you return as well.

Restrictions- Know the Covid restrictions and guidelines before you book. Each state is different. For instance, Florida doesn’t have a mask mandate, while Ohio does. However, the cities may be different. In Naples, most businesses required it and most people wore a mask outside, but they technically weren’t mandated to.

Don’t get too comfortable– It’s easy to get comfortable and want to just take off your mask and be in crowded spaces, but the pandemic is far from over. Keep this in mind when planning out your day.

Overall, be mindful and be safe!

If you’re looking for a place to ease into traveling again, I’d suggest Naples, FL. First off, it is beautiful! Although there are many people who travel and live there for retirement or extended breaks, it is not nearly as crowded as some of the other areas of Florida. This was perfect for me considering I was not used to traveling and didn’t want to be around an abundance of people.

A misconception about Naples is that it is only for people who are retired (65 and up). It’s certainly not a big city with clubs and parties every night (not my style anyway), but there are plenty of calmer options for you such as:

Visit the beach– There are hotels all throughout Naples, but if you want the best experience, stay within walking distance or 5-minute driving distance from the beach. Not only will you be able to experience an incredible sunset, you’ll also put your toes in the sand whenever you’re ready. The water isn’t too cold and certainly is not choppy.

Visit the Farmer’s Market- Each Saturday, downtown streets are closed off to host vendors from all over the local area. This was one of my favorite moments. There were so many delicious food items such as bourbon syrup, freshly made conch, guacamole, ice cream, pasta and so much more. The amount of choices can be a bit overwhelming, so my best advice is to pace yourself and come hungry 😊

Rent a bike & explore the town– I unfortunately did not have the opportunity to do this, but it looked so fun! There’s not a ton of traffic in this area so riding a rented bike along the streets is very safe. You’ll also see many residents doing the same thing, which made me feel comfortable with the though of it. This is a great way to do something slightly active with lots of fun.

Shop – There are many shops in and around downtown with something for everyone. Our hotel was right on 5^th street with shopping and restaurants in walking distance of it. The downtown shops were about a 4-5 minute drive with lots of jewelry and clothing options. I love a unique boutique and there were plenty of them here!

Eat! (Of course)- I was pleasantly surprised with the amount of REALLY good restaurants to choose from. Naturally with it being on the coast, there was an abundance of seafood. All of them have outdoor/patio options as well as having distanced tables. Here are a few of the places I loved:

Jane’s Café on 3^rd– They’re perfect for breakfast, lunch or brunch (same menu). The menu is huge and the food is delish so no shame if you go back more than once 😊 I recommend the Bacon, Egg and Cheese Croissant, the French Toast, and the Jumbo Mimosa!

Pazzo! – Ok, the fresh Ricotta White Truffle Garlic Bread….OMGGGGG. Incredible! Also try the Linguini Alla Vongole and the Agliatelle Pisane. This is one to for sure come with an empty stomach because the portions are massive!

Verginia– We went here randomly one night when we couldn’t think of what to have. I highly recommend the Prosciutto Pizza and Bolognese. Rich and delightful!

Yabba Island Grill– This one was my actual favorite because of one specific dish- the crab stuffed grouper. My goodness! The grouper had the perfect crust and was topped with berries and pineapple. Everything about it was incredible.

Lastly, as mentioned, traveling certainly can be done at this time. Just remember the tips and remember to protect yourself, your family, and everyone else! Safe travels!!