Gaia Mieren

Travel Advisor

She/Her

Expertise

Italy,
France,
Boutique Travel,
City Travel

Based in

Bari, Apulia, Italy

Languages spoken

English & Italian

Travel Advisor

Profile details

About

American living in Southern Italy, soaking up the dolce vita one gelato at a time.

Follow Gaia

Travel style

I'm passionate about slow & immersive travel, and am always seeking unique and enriching local experiences. Off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems are my specialty, and I have a tendency to plan my itineraries around local cuisine and unique hotels. My goal? Balancing must-see sights with genuine, relaxed moments for the perfect travel experience.

Gaia's travel guides & trip reports

A picture of a girl standing on a boat and looking behind her. She is wearing a white crop top, blue bottoms and a scarf in her hair. There is a coastal town in the background.

Guide

Positano Paradiso: Clifftop Cafés, Seaside Sunsets & So Much More

A trip to the Amalfi Coast isn't complete without a visit to Positano. It's like stepping into a romantic dream - with its sun-drenched beaches, pastel-hued villages and winding streets, Positano is...

Three hut-like buildings next to a road during the daytime

Guide

A Local's Guide to Puglia's Hidden Gems

Having called this region my home for the past two years, I've dedicated myself to unraveling its secrets, from its hidden local villages steeped in tradition to the quaint masseria's serving up...

A picture of a beautiful coastline with colorful houses and boats in the water at sunset.

Guide

Skip Capri: Explore Procida, Naples' Hidden Gem

Though Capri is undeniably breathtaking and a must-visit, if you're planning a visit to Naples or the Amalfi Coast, consider adding a day trip to Procida for an 'off-the-beaten-path' experience....

An aerial view of the beach with people standing on shore during daytime.

Guide

Best Beaches in Puglia, Southern Italy

Puglia is what I like to call Italy's hidden gem. Nestled in the "heel" of Italy's boot, Puglia has the longest coastline of Italy but remains a "local secret" and is relatively undiscovered by...

Guide

Europe's Oldest City: Matera, Italy

Matera is Italy's oldest city and among one of the oldest cities in Europe. It’s nestled among rocky lands in the Basilicata region of Italy, and the historic Sassi (rocks) and cave dwellings carved...

A girl posing for a photo inside of a glamorous old theatre with red seats and white and gold details.

Guide

Ultimate Guide to Bari, Italy

Bari is the capital of Puglia, one of Italy's most southern regions, and I've had the pleasure of calling this charming city home for the past two years. Allow me to guide you through the best things ...

VIEW ALL

Favorite hotels

Borgo Egnazia

Experience luxury and tranquility at Borgo Egnazia, where elegant accommodations, a picturesque village setting and world-class amenities create an extraordinary stay in Puglia, Italy.

Fora Perks

★
$100 food / beverage credit.
★
Breakfast daily.
★
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Hotel Castello di Reschio

Countryside property with traditional Italian-style rooms.

Fora Perks

★
$100 hotel / resort credit.
★
Breakfast daily.
★
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Aza Cave Hotel

Aza Cave Hotel offers a unique and enchanting stay in the heart of Cappadocia, Turkey. Set within ancient cave dwellings, the hotel combines modern comfort with historic charm, providing guests with an unforgettable experience amidst the stunning landscape of fairy chimneys and rock formations.

Gaia's travel photos

Get in touch with Gaia

Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.

You can normally expect a response from Gaia within a business day or so. You’ll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).