I recently crossed a VII (Very Important Item) off of my bucket list: travel outside of the United States. After spending 19 unforgettable days in Italy, I believe that everyone should visit this beautiful country for the following reasons.

1. Food

I got way too excited about eating this prawn in my seafood spaghetti.

Italy's culinary reputation greatly influenced my decision to go there. I've never eaten so well in my life, and I don't know if I ever will again. Some can't-miss dishes: risotto (sort of a savory rice pudding with add-ins like vegetables and meat), spaghetti alla carbonara (spaghetti noodles with eggs, cheese, bacon, and cream), and of course, tiramisu (ladyfingers with espresso, marascapone cheese, and cocoa powder.) But if you're not a culinary adventurer, don't let your picky-eater tendencies keep you stateside. You can always find pizza and/or spaghetti with meat sauce, and everyone loves gelato. (But just because you can eat twelve scoops in one sitting doesn't necessarily mean you should....)

2. Fashion

Some call Italy "the fashion capital of the world." It's the birthplace of luxury brands like Armani, Gucci, and Prada, just to name a few. Italy has impeccable street style and many great places to shop to expand your wardrobe, no matter how much money you have to spend. Trinket souvenir stands are great for picking up little presents for friends on the cheap (because shipping wine home gets expensive), and the big metropolitan areas have many of the same stores we do in the U.S, in case you get homesick or simply don't want to do sizing conversions. If you're looking to try something more exotic than H&M, you can check out OVS and Blue Sand which are similar in price range to Forever 21.

Just a little something I picked up at the leather markets in Florence.

3. Fine Arts

Some of the best art ever made was created in Italy. Along with the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican museum has many beautiful Greek and Roman statues. If you only ever go to one art museum in Italy make it the Academia, which houses Michelangelo's David.

Just like any good-looking man, the David is even more attractive in person. A photo can only capture a fraction of its beauty.

The museums aren't the only place to find art. A predominantly Catholic nation (about 95% of the population), Italy's bounty of cathedrals are worth visiting for their spiritual, historical, and aesthetic value. My favorite is Sacra di San Michele (see below) mostly for the view. It's worth all the stairs it takes to get there.

I've never been so high in my life.

4. Florence

Out of all the towns and cities I visited, I loved Florence best. Florence is not quite as crowded as Rome or Milan, but still has plenty to see and do. If you ever find yourself in Florence, I recommend eating lunch at Trattoria Omero, and then walking or taking the bus downtown to shop or sight-see. Florence is known for its leather products it's the perfect excuse to come home with a new jacket, wallet, belt, or purse.

There are, of course, more reasons than these to visit Italy. Whatever it takes to get you there just go. You won't regret it!