15 Tips for First Time Travelers to Italy
Traveling to the Italy for the first time can be both exciting and overwhelming. Regardless of which city that you choose to visit, there are a few things that you need know to ensure that you will have a successful trip. Listed below are 15 tips for first time travelers to Italy. Allow these tips to help you be thorough prepared for a grand adventure!
Palermo Cathedral in Sicily / Photo by admin
1. Have a basic knowledge of Italian
It can be helpful to know at least a few words of the language. While you will come across English speaking natives, knowing some of the language can help you have a more pleasant experience.
2. Invest in a Travel Italy guide book
Read up on all the places to go and see beforehand. Knowing what to expect will help you avoid the unexpected!
3. Keep your money safe
Just as if you were visiting cities in your own country, you want to ensure that you have your money and your valuables safe and sound. Don’t carry too much cash on you at one time and leave your valuables in a safe place.
4. Take the train
The train can be a cheaper alternative to taxis when traveling in Italy. Take the train to save some money.
Train in Italy / Photo by admin
5. Realize that the culture is different
Things that you find rude in your home country may be acceptable in Italy. If someone seems rude, just forget about it. Addressing the locals because of rudeness will make matters worse for everyone.
6. Realize that dress codes will be enforced
Depending on where you travel, you may be expected to dress the part. When entering churches or other venues, you may be required to dress modestly.
7. Have a plan of action before you leave for your destination
Know the places that you are going to visit and find out enough information about them that you can make a plan of action for the days you want to visit them while on your trip.
8. Know how to shop
Shopping can be quite expensive in Italy. Get tips for how and where to shop. For example, you want to avoid shopping on main streets in Italy that mark prices way up.
Market in Palermo, Sicily / Photo by admin
9. Go with the flow
Italians will expect that you agree with and follow their way of life. They have many different customs such as eating lunch after 1 p.m. and dinner after 8 p.m. Do you best to go with the flow so that you don’t stand out like a sore thumb.
10. Mingle with the locals
If you are having trouble navigating through the city, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Locals are often more than welcome to help foreigners out. They can give you helpful advice such as where to eat.
11. Smaller cities first
If it is your first trip to Italy, you may want to visit the smaller cities that aren’t as overwhelming. Save the larger, more populated cities for a time when you are more familiar with the country.
Small town of Cefalù in Sicily / Photo by admin
12. Realize that lines will be long at popular tourist destinations
Plan plenty of time to visit popular places such as the Colosseum. These are locations that everyone wants to see and you can literally expect thousands of people to visit this area. This can put you waiting in line for hours so be prepared.
13. Expect rain and sunshine!
You want to be thoroughly prepared. Realize that the weather can change on a dime.
14. Go during a time when a festival is going on
. Festivals in Italy are popular. This is a great time to visit the area and can provide tons of things for you to do.
15. Be prepared to walk
You will do lots of walking in Italy so be sure that you bring comfy shoes and hiking sticks for the occasion. Don’t be surprised if you choose to walk rather than take other modes of transportation as getting around Italy isn’t always an easy task.
Visiting Italy for the first time can be quite overwhelming. Use the tips above to help make the most of your experience. These tips can help you make important decisions about your trip.
Category: Italy, Travel Tips
About Europe Explored
EuropeExplored.com serves as a resource of the very best travel destinations from within Europe, including natural attractions, cities, sights, museums, amusement and theme parks, and much much more. We hope that we can help you choose the best holiday destination for you, and ensure easier travel throughout Europe. If you have any questions, or suggestions, please comment below and We'll do our best to answer you.Subscribe
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it.
