Europe & Romance Editor
Francesca A.
Europe and Mediterranean specialist. Covers city itineraries, honeymoon planning, wellness travel, and the kind of trip that requires a good restaurant reservation.
About Francesca
Francesca covers the European city itineraries, the romantic getaways, the wellness escapes — basically the trips where the goal isn't to see everything but to see the right thing properly. She's based in Lisbon, grew up in Florence, and has spent enough weekends in Paris and Rome that she could draw the Marais and Trastevere from memory.
She started in food writing — three years at a Lisbon culinary magazine — and that lens shows up in everything she writes. A 3-day Paris itinerary, in her hands, is mostly an argument about which bakery to start the morning at. She's planned weddings (twice for friends, once for herself), so the honeymoon coverage comes with strong opinions about what actually matters when two people are jet-lagged on Day 1.
Areas of expertise
Posts by Francesca

Best Honeymoon Destinations 2026: 12 Spots Ranked & Reviewed
The 12 best honeymoon destinations for 2026 — from $4,500 Bali to $25k Maldives. Real prices, best months to visit, the one anchor activity that earns each spot, and the honest 'skip this if' filter that most honeymoon lists skip.

2026 Honeymoon Planning Guide: From $2k to $15k+ | MonkeyTravel
The complete 2026 honeymoon guide. Destinations sorted by budget tier ($2k–$15k+), the seasons that ruin (or make) each spot, planning mistakes to avoid, and how to design Day 1 so jet lag doesn't kill the trip.

15 Cheapest European Cities for Food and Drink 2026 [Ranked] | MonkeyTravel
The 15 cheapest European cities for food and drink in 2026 — average meal costs, best local dishes, beer prices, and top food markets. From Tirana at $3 to Valencia at $13.

Lisbon vs Porto 2026: Which Portuguese City Is Right for You?
Lisbon or Porto in 2026? We compare costs, food, wine, nightlife, and culture so you can pick the perfect Portuguese city for your trip style and budget.

Paris vs Barcelona 2026: Honest Comparison for Your Next Trip
Paris or Barcelona in 2026? We compare costs, food, nightlife, beaches, culture, and weather so you can pick the right city for your travel style and budget.

12 Best Food Destinations in the World for 2026 | MonkeyTravel
The 12 best food destinations in 2026 — signature dishes, food markets, daily budgets, and insider tips for Crete, Tokyo, Mexico City, Lima, Istanbul, Bangkok, Bologna, Lyon, Seoul, Oaxaca, Hanoi, and San Sebastián.

10 Best Wellness Retreats 2026: Yoga, Burnout Recovery & Star Bathing | MonkeyTravel
The 10 best wellness retreats for 2026 with real prices, program breakdowns, and honest advice on which retreat fits your needs — from $50/day Bali to $800/day SHA Spain.

3-Day Paris Itinerary 2026: Day-by-Day Guide | MonkeyTravel
Plan 3 perfect days in Paris with this day-by-day itinerary. Real prices, smart routing, and local tips for the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Montmartre, and more.

Barcelona 3-Day Itinerary 2026: Day-by-Day Guide | MonkeyTravel
Plan 3 perfect days in Barcelona with this day-by-day itinerary. Real prices, smart routing, and local tips for Sagrada Familia, Gothic Quarter, Park Guell, and more.

Cheapest Countries in Europe 2026: 15 Cities Under €40/Day
Real expense breakdowns from 30+ European cities tested in 2026. 15 averaged under €40/day all-in. One costs just €22. Plus the booking trick that saves 30%.

Istanbul 3-Day Itinerary 2026: Day-by-Day Guide | MonkeyTravel
Plan 3 unforgettable days in Istanbul with this practical day-by-day itinerary. Real 2026 prices, restaurant picks, tram and ferry routes, and smart tips for Sultanahmet, the Bosphorus, and Beyoglu.

Lisbon 3-Day Itinerary 2026: Day-by-Day Guide | MonkeyTravel
Plan 3 perfect days in Lisbon with this day-by-day itinerary. Real 2026 prices, tram routes, pasteis de nata spots, Alfama, Belem, and a Sintra day trip.