Exploring new places means learning about local customs. But have you ever thought about tipping practices? While tipping in the United States and Britain may be common, it’s not so typical in other countries. Portugal has its own unique approach…
Tipping is not as common in France as it is in many other countries, including the US or the UK. In fact, tipping in France is very relaxed for all concerned. This is because service charges are usually included in…
If you’ve spent even a fraction of your life in the United States, you’ll notice that tipping has been ingrained in so much of our culture. From grabbing a quick coffee to getting a haircut, we’re used to seeing the…
If you’re living in the United States, the idea of moving to Europe may be appealing, but it also comes with a lot of unknowns. New experiences, cultural immersion, and personal growth are all seemingly on the horizon with a…
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…
In the heart of Northern Italy lies the picturesque region of Piedmont, renowned for its stunning and diverse nature, profound historical roots, and unbelievable cuisine. For English-speaking expatriates seeking a slice of Italian life, Piedmont offers a myriad of elegant…
In 2024, Southern Europe showcases a fantastic list of best cities to live, where life is more than a picturesque postcard; it’s about community, innovation, and tradition. Every year, My Dolce Casa looks at the latest quality of life index…
Calabria, known to many foreigners as “Italy’s toe,” is nestled in the southernmost region of mainland Italy. This affordable region is perfect for anyone looking for the warmth of the Mediterranean sun, beautiful seascapes and landscapes, and a rich historical…
Nestled in the heart of Italy, Umbria is one of the best regions to live in Italy and it has become especially popular with English-speaking expats. It often flies under the radar, overshadowed by its famous neighbors to the north…
The Mediterranean Island of Malta enjoys about 300 days of sunshine each year, so those planning a trip to the island in February are guaranteed to enjoy plenty of sunny days. The average temperatures in February in Malta are around…
Cyprus in February is a refreshing contrast to the dreary, overcast days often found in much of Northern Europe. The island of Cyprus offers a delightful experience with its mild climate and consistently blue, sunny skies. It’s the perfect time…
As the smallest of all Italian provinces, Liguria is perhaps not as well-known to expats as many of the more popular regions of Tuscany, Puglia, or Sicily. Known as the Italian Riviera, the region stretching over 180 miles along the…
In the eastern part of central Italy, Abruzzo sits sheltered by the Apennine Mountains, separating it from much of Italian society. The region is truly unique, with untouched landscape of nature, beautiful, spontaneous cities built on hillsides. For anyone looking…
January and February are the two coldest months in Athens Greece, but it is still warmer than in most of Europe, making Athens a great winter destination. It is true that if you enjoy holidays with sandy beaches to relax…
How you view Paris as a tourist and living in Paris a resident are two very different things. Paris is the most visited city in the world, welcoming more than 40 million tourists every year. During the summer months there…
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…
If you’ve ever dreamt of immersing yourself in the beauty of life in Italy, Tuscany is probably what you are picturing and you’re not alone. Many people fantasize of moving to Tuscany, lured by the image of an idyllic Italy…
With St. Valentine’s Day in the middle of February, what better idea than to spend it in the most romantic city in the world with your loved one? Having visited many many times, this is one of my favorite times…
If you’re planning a quick escape to sunny Greece in January or simply looking for a warm place in Europe to escape freezing winter temperatures in your own country, this guide sums up what is happening throughout Greece this time…
Since I’ve moved to Italy, every time I go back to my hometown of New Orleans in the United States to visit family for a few weeks, I’m shocked at just how expensive everything is. How can anyone afford to…