Ep. 30: Travel Agents, Advisors, and Influencers Explained

Ep. 30: Travel Agents, Advisors, and Influencers Explained

Author: Danielle Oteri November 25, 2025 Duration: 33:33

In this episode, I explain the differences between travel agents, advisors, and influencers…because I know first-hand how confusing this world can be!

You’ll hear industry insider stories, plus the simple method I give people to decide when to DIY their trip, when to get professional help, and when to trust their own gut over another influencer’s feed. I’ll also share unglamorous but essential tips picked up over the years on the road—like the realities of country driving in Tuscany or the best place to stop for gas on your way to Naples airport.

You’ll also meet my new collaborator, Angela Miklos, whom I first met in 2023 as a Trip Consultation client and who will now help me offer a brand-new hybrid service called Custom Itinerary Design. (The photo in your podcast player is the classic Forio sunset that Angela mentions.) This option is for people who love research and planning but want an expert to provide the best advice and handle the heavy lifting so that they can focus on the fun parts.

A reminder for paid subscribers that the next Ask Me Anything About Italy is on December 11th at 8 pm ET on Zoom, and the Venice Destination Deep Dive happens on December 18th at 8 pm ET.

Right now, both the Naples and Rome Destination Deep Dives are available to watch for paid subscribers. They’ll leave the website soon when the polished, final versions with the itinerary and bonus segments are ready for purchase. (Naples leaves in a week, Rome will be up for at least 2 weeks more.)



This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.danielleoteri.com/subscribe

There’s a certain magic to traveling in Italy that goes beyond checking sights off a list-it’s in the texture of daily life, a shared meal, or a story passed down through generations. Tante Belle Cose captures that feeling. Hosted by Danielle Oteri, founder of Feast Travel, this podcast feels like a series of deep, rewarding conversations with a friend who truly knows the place. You’ll hear immersive narratives that transport you to a sun-drenched piazza or a quiet vineyard, alongside genuinely practical advice for navigating the nuances of Italian culture, food, and history. The episodes are thoughtfully crafted; some serve as a guide to planning your journey, while others simply pull you into the rich tapestry of Italian life, planting seeds for future adventures. Danielle’s expertise as a guide and storyteller makes each listen both an escape and a toolkit. Tuning into this podcast is more than just research-it’s an invitation to appreciate the many beautiful details, the *tante belle cose*, that make Italy so captivating. For those who dive deeper, there’s also access to a dedicated travel community moderated by Danielle, offering continued connection and insight beyond the audio.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 44

Danielle Oteri's Italy
Podcast Episodes
Ep. 39: Location, Location, Salvation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:08
There’s a hotel in Naples that’s perfect for the night before a flight. In fact, all the United pilots and flight attendants stay there. The hotel is pretty standard and part of a chain, but the building itself is the on…
Ep. 38: How to Plan Multigenerational Travel to Italy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:25
Are you thinking about a trip to Italy and need help getting started or refining your plan? Book a one-hour consultation, my specialty, and let me help you ensure it’s the best trip possible.Among my favorite trips to pl…
Ep. 37: The Secret of Florence's Dome [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:42
Every day, every single tour guide in Florence tells thousands of tourists a story that is not true. It’s the story of the construction of the dome, a feat of engineering so ingenious that even today, architects and engi…
Ep. 36: The Loss of the Picturesque [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:36
If you enjoyed this essay episode, you can subscribe for more at danielleoteri.com. If you’re planning a trip to Italy and would like some expert guidance, book a trip consultation at danielleoteri-italy.com. Lastly, you…
Ep. 35: The Mozzarella Highway [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:54
If you enjoyed this essay episode, you can subscribe for more at danielleoteri.com. If you're planning a trip to Italy and would like some expert guidance, book a consultation at danielleoteri-italy.com. And if neither o…
Ep. 34: Paradise for Normal People [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:24
In this episode, I speak with writer Susan van Allen about Ischia, the island very close to Capri that I like to call paradise for normal people. The last time I was there, Susan introduced me to her favorite place to st…
Ep. 32: Venice Is Not a Day Trip [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:34
Happy New Year, and welcome back to Danielle Oteri’s Italy—we’re starting 2026 in Venice, the Italian city everyone rushes through, with no idea of how much they’re missing. This episode is your invitation to slow down,…
A Beautiful Lesson from the Tomb of the Diver [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:02
I want to wish you happy holidays and express my profound gratitude for reading, listening, and supporting this podcast and newsletter. I hope you enjoy this two-minute video reflection on the passing of the seasons, ins…