Let’s be honest; a trip to Italy is always a good time. But with these useful tips in mind, you’re guaranteed to have an unforgettable visit to the Belpaese! Check out our top 10 things to know when planning your getaway:
Booking Flights
When it comes to international travel, planning ahead helps. Search engines like Skyscanner, Kayak, and Flights Finder are useful for seeing all of your options in one place, and we recommend booking at least 3 months in advance to get a good deal. Most flights from the U.S. to Italy are overnight, which gives you a chance to sleep on the plane and adjust to your new time zone quickly!
Many stores are closed on Sundays, especially in more remote areas. It’s best to check in during the week or on Saturday if you want to hit the grocery store or do lots of exploring on your first day in town!
Get a SIM Card
Staying connected overseas is much easier than it used to be! Whether or not you have an international plan for your cell phone, it’s a good idea to pick up a SIM card so you can have full access to the European Union’s free roaming system.
Phone companies like Tim, Vodafone or Windtre have offers for travelers, but we prefer a no-frills company like Iliad that sells SIM cards for 8 euros a month. You’ll get 100 GB of data and unlimited calls and texts, so you can move through the country like a local! Just remember to cancel so you don’t keep getting billed.
Espresso Logic
When you order a coffee (un caffè) in Italy, you’ll receive a short and strong espresso. Locals usually drink it in about 30 seconds while standing at the counter, or at the most 2 minutes if they’re chatting with a friend.
It’s not uncommon to enjoy a few servings throughout the day, especially after meals! We recommend embracing this ‘espresso logic’ and enjoying this tasty boost of energy.
Enjoy Regional Dishes
It’s no surprise that Italy is a food lover’s dream! But each of the country’s 20 regions has its own particular cuisine and, needless to say, they’re all excellent in their own way.
So in each area you visit, it’s always a good idea to sample at least a few of the local specialties.
Dress Code
Italians have a reputation for overdressing! Like any other stereotype, it varies greatly based on individual preference, but it’s true that they tend to have style (i.e. wearing sunglasses even when it’s not sunny)!
In general, Italians favor classic, relaxed, and comfortable pieces, so we recommend doing the same for your trip. Keep in mind that when visiting churches and cathedrals, you’ll be required to cover shoulders and knees. It’s not just a suggestion; we’ve seen folks get turned away; so bring something to cover up if needed!
Bills & Tipping
Unlike the U.S., you’ll have to ask for your bill when you’re ready to pay at a restaurant. A simple “il conto, per favore” will do the trick, but your server won’t take the initiative.
Another big difference is that leaving a tip is not considered obligatory! In restaurants, it’s a good habit to leave about 10% of the bill to your waiter if you liked your service. You can also tip delivery people, hairdressers, and taxi drivers, but it’s not mandatory.
Walking & More Walking
Even in the biggest cities like Rome and Naples, the city center can be visited entirely on foot.
You might walk for hours, sure, but it’s very rewarding and the best way to find little treasures like a square, a church, or a shop which are off the beaten track. Remember to bring (and break in) your walking shoes!
Access to Healthcare
Italians enjoy the benefit of free healthcare, which you can take advantage of while you’re visiting!
The “pronto soccorso” (emergency room) of a hospital will welcome you, though if it’s not a life-threatening matter the lines could be long. In most cities there are also “guardia medica turistica“, which are small medical offices that specialize in serving foreign tourists.
A Light Breakfast
A traditional Italian breakfast is not a long ordeal. In bars (or what we call a cafe in the states), the typical breakfast is a cappuccino and cornetto (croissant), which is considered a winning combination to start the day.
An optional extra could be an orange juice. At home, generally people have coffee with milk, perhaps some cookies, or bread with jam or Nutella. Breakfast in Italy is always a sweet time of day!
Public Transportation
Between trains, the metro, buses, and trams, getting around cities in Italy is quite accessible. Public transportation can be helpful as taxis get expensive and Uber is still not very widespread.
That said, delays and strikes can present the occasional challenge! For example, in some central-southern cities like Rome or Naples, arrival times for buses can be a mystery, and trains can be delayed due to labor strikes. If you’re in a hurry, it’s a good idea to give yourself extra time or book a car!
Italy is an amazing experience, for the history, the art, the landscapes, the food, the sea and the mountains… the list goes on and on! But when you get to know the people and immerse yourself in the Italian way of living, that’s when you understand this country and can thoroughly enjoy it, even its imperfections 😉
