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Posts by: Lara Bianco

Lara Bianco

Lara is an Italian-American senior writer and content manager at My Dolce Casa. Lara splits her time between Chicago, United States and Puglia, Italy, sharing la dolce vita with her adorable beagle Goldie.

Life in Europe vs USA
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Guides Lifestyle Living Living Abroad

The Truth About Living in Europe vs the United States: Advantages and Disadvantages

by Lara Bianco on May 12, 2024
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As Americans, we often experience a certain allure about living in Europe, imagining a life where the days are filled with cappuccinos at the corner cafe, leisurely strolls by the Seine or meeting friends for tapas and sangria. But is…

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Packing suitcases
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Guides Living Abroad Moving

Your Ultimate Moving Abroad Packing List for a Stress-Free Adventure

by Lara Bianco on May 4, 2024
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Moving abroad far away from your friends and family can be a difficult transition, but creating a packing list for the journey can reduce some of the stress. If you’re looking for information about what to take with you when…

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Assisi Umbria Italy
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Countries Guides Italy News Working

Italy’s Digital Nomad Visa Is Finally Open

by Lara Bianco on April 9, 2024
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Great news for digital nomads who want to live in Italy! The long-awaited Italy digital nomad visa program has officially started on April 4, 2024. Here’s what you need to know:  The digital nomad visa is being managed under Article…

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Older couple
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Guides Lifestyle Retiring

13 Things to Consider Before Deciding Whether to Retire in the U.S. or Abroad

by Lara Bianco on February 27, 2024
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Deciding where to retire involves more than just choosing a location. It requires careful consideration of financial, healthcare, and legal factors. It also forces you to think about some personal considerations, such as defining your well-being, willingness to step outside…

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Luxembourg Luxembourg
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Countries Living Abroad News Portugal Slovenia Spain

2024 Best Countries to Live in Europe: The Sweet Spots of Quality and Cost of Living

by Lara Bianco on February 11, 2024
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Picking the best country in Europe to live in 2024 in isn’t always easy because you have to weigh up a lot of things, from how strong the economy is to what the weather’s like, and many other factors that…

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Switzerland
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Countries Lifestyle Living Abroad

2024’s Safest Countries in Europe

by Lara Bianco on January 4, 2024
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Whenever planning a vacation or a move abroad, safety is usually the top concern for both travelers and expats. When you venture into a foreign country there is a lot of unknown that raises legitimate safety and wellbeing concerns. To…

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Countries Italy Living Abroad

Weather in Italy by month: what it feels like to live in Italy year-round

by Lara Bianco on November 26, 2023
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Are you looking for a place to live with great weather in addition to world-class culture, beautiful scenery, and soul-pleasing food? If so, Italy is your place. The weather in Italy is variable depending on which region you are in.…

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Hospital room
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Countries Guides Italy Lifestyle Living Retiring

The best hospitals in Italy, reviewed

by Lara Bianco on November 25, 2023
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Italy’s healthcare system, known for its quality and accessibility, is predominantly publicly funded through a tax-based system, providing universal coverage to its residents. Notably, it’s ranked among the best in the world by the World Health Organization. The Italian hospital…

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Grotta della Poesia Puglia Italy
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Countries Guides Italy Lifestyle Living

Living in Puglia, Italy: 10 secret spots on the Puglian coastline

by Lara Bianco on November 1, 2023
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Living in Puglia, Italy, or Apulia as it’s known in English, has been a long-time dream as an American. My favorite part about this region of Italy is the Salento area with its lengthy coastline, which offers unbelievable natural beauty…

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Florence Italy autumn
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Countries Italy Lifestyle

Florence from January to December: What it feels like and what to do every month

by Lara Bianco on October 31, 2023
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Florence is a beloved city located in Tuscany, Italy. It is known for its incredible Renaissance art and stunning architecture, which you can enjoy in nice weather for most of the year. Florence’s weather is mild with warm temperatures stretching…

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Living in Rome Italy
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Countries Italy Lifestyle

Rome weather by month: what it feels like to live in Rome year-round

by Lara Bianco on October 27, 2023
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The city of Rome is enjoyable all year round from the weather perspective. The temperatures can range from 39°F (4°C) to 90°F (32°C) depending on the month, according to holiday-weather.com. August is typically the warmest month while February is the…

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Driving in Italy
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Countries Italy Lifestyle

Renting a car in Italy: Pros and cons, things to know, tips and tricks

by Lara Bianco on October 24, 2023
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Italy offers a range of transportation options for travelers, each catering to different needs and preferences.  The country has an extensive and efficient train network, with high-speed options like the Frecciarossa connecting major cities. However, trains are not available in…

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Madrid Spain
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Countries Living Abroad News Portugal Slovenia Spain

2023 Best Countries in Europe to Live in

by Lara Bianco on October 22, 2023
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Choosing the best country in Europe to live in is no easy task, as there are so many different ways to evaluate a country, from its economy to weather and everything in between. But let’s be honest, most people’s number…

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Parma Italy
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Countries Italy Market Reports News Real Estate

House Hunting in Italy: How Much Space Can You Buy in Italy for $200,000?

by Lara Bianco on September 23, 2023
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Recent research shows that Italy is the most popular homebuying destination for Americans in 2023, out of all countries in Europe and the Americas. The two primary reasons U.S. nationals are contemplating buying real estate in Italy are lifestyle and…

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Canary Islands Spain
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Countries Greece Guides Italy Lifestyle Portugal Retiring Spain

The warmest destinations in Europe: most popular places to enjoy the sun this winter

by Lara Bianco on September 14, 2023
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Europe is known for its cold climate in many regions during the winter season, but there are still plenty of warm winter destinations in Europe to visit or to live in throughout the continent. Looking to soak in the warmth…

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Countries France Lifestyle Living Abroad

Is France a good place to live? Pros and cons of living in France as an expat

by Lara Bianco on August 20, 2023
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Is France a good place to live? Moving to France has its pros and cons, as does any situation that involves moving abroad. While any tourist could come up with their list of reasons as to why France is worth…

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freelancer digital nomad
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Countries Croatia Guides Living Working

Complete guide on how to become a digital nomad in Croatia

by Lara Bianco on August 13, 2023
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Croatia is a popular choice for digital nomads seeking a harmonious blend of work and leisure in Europe. With the introduction of the Croatia Digital Nomad Visa in 2021, non-EU citizens now have the opportunity to work in and enjoy…

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Europe vs Americas
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Countries Croatia Italy News Real Estate

Europe vs The Americas: Top Homebuying Destinations Abroad in 2023

by Lara Bianco on August 13, 2023
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With high volatility in the U.S. housing market, a strong dollar, and the normalization of remote work, interest in buying a home abroad is higher than ever. Real estate in other countries attracts a lot of U.S. buyers, according to…

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luxury villa with pool
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Lifestyle Real Estate

Best websites to find a rental villa for a memorable vacation in Europe

by Lara Bianco on August 6, 2023
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Looking for that perfect rental villa for an unforgettable vacation with your family or friends in Europe? Sure, you could go the typical route with Airbnb, Booking, or VRBO, but you want something special. Whether you’re celebrating a family event,…

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The Hague The Netherlands
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Countries Guides Lifestyle Living Portugal Spain

A fantastic lifestyle on a budget: Best places to live in Europe 2023

by Lara Bianco on July 31, 2023
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Selecting the ideal European city to settle in is undoubtedly a complex undertaking. For those contemplating a move to Europe, the cost of living is a paramount concern, ranking alongside the overall quality of life. Though places offering a high standard…

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