Ultimate Travel Tips for your Italy Vacation

Pre-Trip Preparation for Italy

Travel Documentation
- Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your return date
- Check visa requirements for Italy (most tourists can enter for 90 days without a visa)
- Make color copies of important documents
- Purchase comprehensive travel insurance
- Keep an eye on ETIAS (or, if you’re allowing me to serve as your travel agent, I’m keeping an eye on that for you!)
Financial Planning
- Notify your bank of travel dates
- Bring Euros and credit cards
- Use bank ATMs for cash withdrawals in the local currency
- Inform credit card companies about international travel
  - Some cards don’t require this any longer, but be sure to check!
- Carry some cash in local currency for smaller establishments

Getting Around Italy
- Trenitalia and Italo trains are excellent for intercity travel
- Purchase train tickets in advance
- Always validate train tickets before boarding
- Consider rail passes for extensive travel
- Rent a car only for rural exploration
- Be cautious driving in city centers
- Use local buses and metro in major cities

Venice
- Purchase “vaporetto” (water bus) passes
- Book gondola rides in advance
- Be prepared for potential flooding (it’s normal – it’s called agua alta)
- Visit during off-peak season to avoid crowds
Milan
- Fashion capital with incredible shopping
- Book tickets for The Last Supper painting in advance
- Visit during Fashion Week for unique experiences

Rome
- Book Vatican and Colosseum tickets well in advance
- Use Roma Pass for public transportation (it’s so easy!)
- Explore early morning or late evening to avoid crowds
- Be very aware of pickpockets in tourist areas
Florence
- Purchase Uffizi Gallery tickets early
- Walk the historic city center
- Try local Tuscan cuisine
- Visit during spring or fall for best weather

Naples and Amalfi Coast
- Take ferry between coastal towns
- Try authentic Neapolitan pizza
- Visit Pompeii and Herculaneum archaeological sites
- Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas

Communication
- Learn basic Italian phrases
  - Duolingo is great for this – and free!
- Italians appreciate your attempt to speak their language
- Use “Buongiorno” (Good day), “Grazie” (Thank you)
- Greet shopkeepers when entering and leaving stores
Dining Customs
- Dinner starts late (after 8 PM)
- Understand “coperto” (cover charge) – this is normal if you are sitting down for a meal
- Tipping is not mandatory but rounding up is appreciated
- Coffee etiquette: cappuccino only before noon
- Enjoy leisurely meals, don’t rush

Accommodation
- Book in advance during peak season
- Consider agriturismos (farm stays) for unique experiences
- Look for centrally located hotels
- Check reviews carefully
Packing Recommendations
- Wear comfortable walking shoes
- Plan on layers for variable weather
- Wear modest clothing for church visits (cover knees and shoulders – even for men)
- Bring a universal power adapter
- Pack light, breathable clothing
- Bring a small but secure daypack for daily excursions

I take time to understand each client’s unique interests and travel style
I have specialized training in Italian travel planning and logistics from the Italian National Tourist Board
Stress-Free Travel Planning for YOU
Ongoing support before, during, and after the trip
Your Peace of Mind
Italy is my favorite country in the world!