Tourism flows to Italy have returned to pre-pandemic levels, making genuine experiences elusive. But a professor’s simple tips can add meaning to your trip.

Along with spring comes wanderlust and vivid dreams of carefree summer escapes. For millions, Italy will be a top destination. So how do you separate from the pack for a more meaningful trip? While capping off five hard-fought years working toward a Ph.D., I found some answers. I was searching for insights into how US college students learned and created meaning on a study abroad program in Como, Italy. 

The setting, on the shore of a breathtaking lake, lined with grandiose villas and manicured gardens, attracts A-lister residents, including its unofficial mayor, George Clooney. As my glazed-over eyes sifted through pages of interview transcripts, themes gradually bubbled to the surface. What I discovered translates into strategies that can transform your next vacation into something deeper.