Last night I booked tickets for Italy. I simply can't wait. On my last trip more than 10 years ago, I was shooting film and firmly entrenched in the "cartoon modes" of my camera. I am eager to revisit several places I'd been before and experience them anew - in two ways. First, with my children. Watching them experience these beautiful places for the first time is a true joy. Second, through the lens. This time around, I will make the time to head out early, stay out late, and get more twilight shots.

Have you been to Italy in the last few years? I'm making three main stops: Rome, Florence, and Venice. Although I'm a seasoned traveler, places change and I'm always looking for tips, from good restaurants to unique off-the-beaten-path places to shoot.