Known for its stunning scenery, rich history, incredible cuisine and vibrant local culture, Italy is a must-visit destination. As with any new destination, there are a lot of things you need to know before you go. To help you out, here are 10 essential Italy travel tips you need to know!
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1. They eat later than you are used to
In Italy, it’s common to sit down at the table after 7pm for a slow-paced dining experience, and in some restaurants, food may not be served until after 9pm. Be sure to immerse yourself in this new world of leisurely dining! Rather than rushing to get everything done, treat your meal as a time to connect with those around you and be present with every bite or bite.
2. Don’t show up empty-handed
If meeting up with friends or family, be sure to point out that you should never leave empty-handed. Even if it’s just a box of cookies, chocolates, a bouquet of flowers or a bottle of good wine, in Italy it’s right to bring a gift when you’re invited somewhere.
3. Learn the local language
Although English is widely spoken in Italy, you may find that communication becomes more difficult the further south you go if you don’t speak Italian. Be sure to brush up on your Italian before traveling! You may want to learn some key phrases, a printout with basic Italian, or a translation app that you can use offline.
4. Enjoy a sweet breakfast
In Italy, Sweet breakfasts are the norm! You’ll notice that the morning rush hour starts much later and Italians really take their time to have breakfast where they can enjoy a cup of coffee and a newspaper in peace.
Look forward to a hearty breakfast of croissants, chocolates and other sweets! You’ll want to try biscotti, tortillas, brioches, crostata e torta and more. Of course, coffee is taken very seriously in Italy and you should expect to enjoy a delicious espresso at your local coffee shop.
5. Respect others
Respect is very important to every Italian, and it is also important to respect Italian culture wherever you go. When you walk into a restaurant or café, it is important to say good morning (Buongiorno) or good evening (Buona sera).
When you visit historic sites, pay close attention to signs indicating what you can and cannot touch, off-limits areas, etc. Much of Italy is steeped in history, and it would be a shame to accidentally damage or disrespect important sites. As a tourist, when visiting local communities, make sure to be mindful of the residents, keep the noise down, and don’t trespass on anyone’s property, even if it’s the perfect spot for photos!
6. Stay connected safely
No matter how much you love Italian culture, it’s always worth checking out what you usually do online at home during your travels. For this reason, we highly recommend using a VPN so you can do it safely!
You can also use a VPN in cafes and restaurants where there is no secure Wi-Fi connection. By connecting to a foreign router through a VPN, you can still surf the Internet safely without hackers being able to intercept your identity or data. Before traveling, be sure to be prepared. one Free VPN Download This is an easy step, so don’t forget it!
7. You need comfortable shoes
hope to make one a lot of Explore Italy on foot! I recommend bringing a few pairs of very comfortable shoes because even your most trusty shoes may start to cause you pain after a few days and changing them out will do wonders. If going during the summer, make sure your shoes are very breathable and comfortable.
8. Pack a water bottle
You’ll find free-flowing fountains all over Italy, especially in Rome. It’s a good idea to carry a bottle of water with you so you can refill it because it’s fresh, free and delicious. Roman aqueducts had supplied water this way for thousands of years.
9. Expect it to be over
You may notice that in the afternoon, stores close after the typical lunch time. This delightful nap or rest time is called riposino and local shops close until around 3pm. Keep this in mind if you plan on going to a particular store only to find out it’s closed!
10. Stay alert
As with any big city, there are always people looking to take advantage of unsuspecting tourists. Be sure to keep your wallet and passport safe and be wary of pickpockets. It is especially important to be vigilant in crowded public places, on public transport and around buses or train stations.
This article was written by Ulrike Niemann, a freelance writer, cybersecurity enthusiast, digital marketer and content marketing manager. All advice and insights are objective and genuine. Thanks to Ulrike for your support, which allows us to continue doing what we love!
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