Italy Holidays – Things to Know Before You Travel

Italy is a beautiful country in Europe along the Mediterranean coastline. Italy has greatly influenced and impacted the western culture and cuisine. Several cities in Italy have been set as benchmarks in their respective fields such as Vatican  is situated in Italy, Venice – the city of canals, Milan – fashion capital of Italy, and much more.

No matter which part of Italy you travel, you get to see something unique and attractive. Millions of tourists come over to Italy and it has been named the 5^th most visited country in the world for tourism. The purpose of the visit is an opportunity to experience the rich art, history, cuisine, and culture. It is also home to the maximum number of World Heritage Sites in the world. Apart from these, you get to see beautiful white sandy pristine blue water beaches, Rocky Mountains, and many ancient monuments. No matter how many times you visit this beautiful country on the Mediterranean coast, time and time again people do come back for a visit. Most of the international arrivals in Italy come from neighboring countries such as Germany, France, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Austria, and Netherlands.

To make the trip seamless, you must be aware of the things to know before visit to Italy. Here is the complete guide to help you plan well with information on climate, best places, hotels and more:

Things To Know While Planning Your Trip To Italy

1. Do not always consider Google Maps to lead the way- It is important to gather relevant information about the place and route you are visiting. Google Maps also considers routes containing thinner streets, coastlines, rugged roads, etc.

2. Remember to validate your train ticket- Train travel saves time. However, it is mentioned in your train ticket that says to validate your train ticket in the machine with yellow and green color coding. If you forget to do this, you might have to pay €50 fine.

3. Daily specials might have a special cost- Pizza, Pasta, and many types of bread are served in Italian restaurants. Also, every restaurant has a special menu. You might be tempted to order that, but it is wise to ask for the price or stay away to not exceed your budget.

4. Do not pack too much- All of us do want to pack many things when we are traveling outside. But, Italy’s streets have worn down due to heavy luggage going through them. Also, you need extra space to keep the things or souvenirs that you will take home from here.

5. Avoid restaurants where you will find waiters to welcome- Many such restaurants undoubtedly have a good welcoming service, but it is better to avoid them because they serve small portions at a very high price. Most menu items will differ from what you wish to try.

6. Pre-book your tickets- Italy is visited by many people so it is wise to book all the events and activity tickets that you wish to see in advance. If you don’t do so, the seats might get booked. The tickets can be bought online.

Carry cash as well as cards to pay your bills and expenses. Sometimes due to internal errors, the card might not work. In such cases, it is helpful to keep some cash in hand.

It is advisable to learn some basic Italian before you go

When you see the people around you constructing elegant sentences that weave as effortlessly around the curves of yummy pasta tortellini or a Venetian gondolaere will navigate through canals as if they were in their hands, it is natural for you to clam up when you cannot pronounce a single Italian word.

A suggestion for Italy trip planning will be to learn some basic phrases and terms in Italian; besides, it is useful to share. Obtaining quality Italian is possible everywhere but speaking Italian to many Italians will be beneficial since most of them will welcome you if you try your best. You could even be amazed at how many new friends you meet when you mix at aperitivo or linger in a busy plaza.  These are some phrases to know before traveling to Italy-

• Hello: Ciao (informal); Salve (formal)
• Goodbye: Ciao (informal); Arrivederci (formal)
• Good morning: Buongiorno
• Good evening: Buonasera
• Goodnight: Buonanotte
• Please: Per favore; per piacere
• Thank you: Grazie

Insider Information About Italy

1.Best places to visit in Italy

A boot-shaped country that is home to the antique and magnificent Vatican and La Dolce Vita, which still carries an aura, grace, and charm even after built centuries ago, and it attracts several millions of tourists each year. With trendy fashion, amazing landscapes, Italy has been always a popular travel destination for a number of reasons. You would have so much to explore and discover, that even a lifetime would not be sufficient to uncover the mystery of this beautiful country. The most popular places to stay and are preferred by tourists all around the world are the Eternal city of Rome, Venice, Tuscany, Cinque Terre, the fashion capital Milan, Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, Naples, Sicily, and Italian Lake District. With a pleasant weather and great landscapes to explore, Italy provides a great atmosphere and climate for tourists all over the globe all through the year. Other popular tourist destinations are Italian Alps, Capri, Herculaneum, Vesuvius, Matera, Lake Como, and Lake Garda.

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Related Post :Things to do and see in Italy

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2.Climate in Italy

The climate in Italy would vary depending on which part of Italy you would be visiting. Northern Italy experiences a comparatively cooler and relative version of the humid subtropical climate, whereas the southern part of Italy generally experiences a Mediterranean climate. The temperatures differences between the north and south can be extreme especially in the winter, with an average difference of almost 20-30°F. The north normally experiences a stable summer season that is accompanied by thunderstorms during the later half of the day. Summers in the south are typically sunny and dry, making it more cloudy and humid. The spring and autumn season often occur in installments, which are suddenly broken by cloudy or cold spells.

3.Accommodation

You will find an accommodation in all price variations with several choices, be in boutique hotels, self-catering villas, rural farmhouses, mountain monasteries, youth hostels, and family run bed & breakfast. These are reliable, pocket-friendly or luxurious, well-maintained standard and are strictly regulated to ensure quality accommodation for tourists and guests. It would be advisable you book well in advance for reservation in popular resorts and hotels in major cities. There are grand hotels oozing opulence and glamour to reasonable rate hotels for the tourists to choose from. The rate for a hostel accommodation is approximately in the range of €18 per night for a dormitory, with established hotels generally near €25.

4.Italian Cuisine

A cuisine that has undergone several changes and transformations due to centuries of political and social changes that will leave you only with a rich savory flavors to taste. With extensive uses of ingredients such as tomatoes, potatoes, maize, bell peppers, cheese, and wine in the cuisine. Italian cuisine has been rich in diversity, delicious in taste, and popular around the globe. The cuisine is widely dependent on the quality of the ingredients and not on the quantity. The ingredients would vary depending on the region. Of late coffee has become an important part of the Italian cuisine.

5.Traveling to Italy

Being a member of the Schengen Area, all countries, which fall, in this area does not have border controls. All countries in the European Union have not signed the Schengen Agreement, hence do check which all countries you are visiting other than Italy and apply for a visa accordingly. Due to this while visiting the other countries in the European Union, you may either have to clear immigration but not customs or clear customs without immigration checks depending on the area you are traveling. If you are a non-EU, EEA or Swizz citizens, who wish to stay in Italy for less than 90 days need to declare their presence in Italy within a period of 8 days of arrival. You can arrive in Italy via plane if traveling from international borders other than EU member countries. If traveling from EU member countries, you can reach Italy by train, bus, car, or boat.

6. Italy was designed for driving, but there are other options.

Italy is still a country that loves driving even with its inexpensive and generally dependable public transportation system. According to recent statistics, the country ranks second in Europe regarding the number of automobiles per capita, only surpassed by the small nation of Luxemburg. With 59 million people living there, there are now close to 40 million cars on the road. The peninsula’s undulating, hilly terrain plays a role in this. The more isolated regions of the nation are inaccessible by train, and the sparse population in rural areas does not support regular bus service. Italy’s passion for driving has a cultural component as well; in the years following World War II, significant funds were allocated to the construction of highways, leading to a more car-centric society.

7. There is a lack of cars, so keep that in mind if you decide to hire one.

One of the several problems the epidemic has caused tourists is the scarcity of rental automobiles. A lot of rental firms sold their cars when the world fell under lockdown and travel became futile. Meanwhile, demand for rental automobiles has increased as individuals have gotten accustomed to avoiding public transportation.

8. It’s good to embrace regional pride.

Today, young people prefer to immigrate to another country or to a different city more frequently compared to the older generations, but a higher sense of pride in the homeland is widely shared by the majority of Italians. And it won’t be too long till someone warmly talks about the culture, food, and beauty of the region they were born.

9. All Asians take vacations around the same time (more or less).

We Italians have determined that August is the ideal month to take a vacation together, for whatever reason. It makes sense; it would be unrealistic to expect people to do anything else laze on the beach when temperatures consistently exceed 35°C (95°F). Italians move in large numbers to the shore in the weeks leading up to Ferragosto, which falls on August 15, leaving sultry cities mostly deserted. In the country’s interior, a lot of companies close, costs go up dramatically, and crowded beaches are the norm. If you decide to visit during the busiest time of year, make sure to reserve your lodging well in advance.

10. There are appropriate times for everything when it comes to eating and drinking.

There are more dietary restrictions that Italian society is trying to impose on you, in addition to the well-known “no cappuccino after 11 AM” guideline. Just as an Aperol Spritz is regarded as a pre-dinner cocktail and limoncello as a post-prandial liqueur, milky coffee is seen as a breakfast-only beverage. Lunch is usually served around 1 pm, while supper is rarely served before 8 pm.

Must-See Cities In Italy

1. Rome

Undoubtedly, as a must-have on the list of the top places to visit in Italy, Rome, which has long been known as “The Eternal City”, owes its extraordinary artistic and cultural heritage its value. Not only is it the capital of Italy, but it also possesses the richest exposition of Italian culture which is found in every other city. Rome is a mandatory destination, not just for art and culture lovers, but also for people who lose their hearts to big cities. Set aside at least five days to see Rome because you will need more time to watch those numerous things waiting for you over there. Snap a photo with the Colosseo most ancient monument of iconic architecture and find out more about the Roman spirit at the Foro Romano.

2. Florence

Florence is without a doubt at the highest level of the list of the most amazing cities in Italy and a visit there is very much worth doing. The city of Florence is so magical that once you set your feet on it you will fall in love, and there are a lot of attractions to visit during your stay here. If you are an art lover, you must visit the Uffizi Gallery; if you are a nature lover, you must see Boboli Gardens; and if you want to capture the greatest city photos to send home, you should take them from Piazzale Michelangelo, which has the best view in the area. Additionally, because Florence is a pricey city, you may check into all of the volunteer options there, where you can trade a few hours of labor for lodging.

3. Venice

Everybody in the world has heard of Venice, and it is so well-known that other towns that attempt to emulate it, such as Aveiro, the self-proclaimed “Venice of Portugal,” frequently utilize it as a benchmark and model. Not only is Venice one of the greatest places to travel in Italy, but it’s also among the top places to travel globally. The canals are the true highlight of the city, however you may visit the magnificent Piazza San Marco and snap a ton of photos while attempting to escape the pigeons. Unlike Venice’s well-stepped tourist routes, getting lost in the canals is most likely an ideal activity.

4. Naples

Going to Naples would be perfect for those who are eager to get a beautiful view of the sea from one side and of the Vesuvius volcano from the other. Not only it is not only the magnificent beauty of nature that makes Naples so famous. But also the whirlwind of city life and bustle that will leave you eager to visit again. This is one of those cities where you generally get to appreciate it more the longer you visit. From eating at the best pizzerias to visiting the museum, there are many things to do in Naples. You may attempt one of Naples’ work exchange programs to get that experience.

5. Siena

Not too far from Florence, there is another city that ought to be on the list of the top Italian towns to visit: Siena. Because Siena is smaller but just as gorgeous as Florence, people frequently refer to it as a “small Florence.” In actuality, Siena is so magnificent that it is occasionally ranked among the nation’s most picturesque cities. Siena, which is well-known for the ancient fair Il Palio, can quickly win your heart. Enjoy many things to do in Siena – start your tour with Piazza del Campo, a magnificent place that is well-known around the globe. I promise you’ll want to snap a ton of photos. And that’s only one of the city’s many stunning sights.

List Of Essentials To Keep for Italy

• In Italy, you’ll want to find a happy medium between fashion and comfort. You should bear in mind that most Italians like to dress up for practically every event, including a stroll around the square, when you pack. Leave your workout attire at the gym and put your best foot forward whenever possible by dressing in a smart-casual outfit. You will be involved in a variety of activities, so we suggest packing items that you can wear again and packing for a week’s worth of wear.
• Italy has beautiful fall and spring seasons, with daytime temps reminiscent of late summer and evenings that get cooler after dusk. We thus strongly advise packing things that are simple to stack. You should pack cardigans, sweaters, scarves, or pullovers.
• Packing the appropriate stuff for your vacation might be aided by selecting the appropriate website or app to obtain weather updates. We’ve traveled around Italy for years, and we’ve discovered that the most dependable app for checking the weather is Accuweather.
• It’s best to avoid being unprepared, particularly during the summer. For gentlemen, the best option consists of bringing maxi dresses, linen scarves, or cardigans to their travel destination to Italy to make sure there’s no cultural mishap and to be playing by the rules. Through this, you ensure that you neither offend any local people nor have the chance to face the most remarkable artwork of Italy.
• A socially acceptable and easy transition from a morning walking tour to an afternoon wine tasting on tour is wearing a summer dress with a nice pair of white tennis shoes. However, if forced to pick between the two, comfort takes precedence over style. Keep in mind that walking is the ideal way to discover the majority of Italy’s stunning squares and quaint medieval towns—you don’t want to carry blisters back home.
• Due to their heavy construction, jeans may take up more room in your suitcase than is necessary, adding weight to your belongings. The lengthy drying period of Italian jeans is another drawback. Additionally, the majority of AirBnbs in Italy lack dryers, and hotel laundry services can be costly. Because of this, they could be cumbersome to pack or uncomfortable to wear more than once when visiting Italy.
• Your Italian holiday may suffer if you have to spend the entire time carrying a hefty suitcase, particularly if you want to use trains as your main form of transit. Make sure you can comfortably move your bags upstairs and downstairs before you depart for Italy.
• Italy has a different electrical system from the United States, which uses 110V. This implies that you must be mindful of the voltage of the appliances—like flat irons and hair dryers—that you are transporting.

While you have learnt about the to-do essentials, when planning your stay, also consider researching things to never do in Italy to ensure a smooth and respectful visit. Italy will surely touch your heart and soul with its antique and reverent structures surely going to leave you with short of words in admiration. This land is blessed with beautiful natural landscapes, delicious cuisines, irresistible fashion, and architectural marvels. Select your right partner for your Italy travel and Italy visit visa from Dubai and enjoy your Italy holidays in this beautiful country along the exotic Mediterranean coast.

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