Everything you need to know as an American traveling to Italy

When in Rome, do it like the Romans.

My first time ItalyI spent the whole journey saying’Scusa‘(sorry) not’Scusi‘ (Excuse me). It wasn’t until I got home and flew that I realized my rude translation error and made us say I was frustrated.

Traveling as an American can be tough – you don’t want to be the traveler who misses local customs. And, you definitely don’t want to be a rude tourist and say, “I’m sorry!” when you try to be polite. Yes.

Whether it’s your first time in Italy or the tenth time, this guide will help you avoid common mistakes, embrace culture and make the most of your trip. It is important to consider Who are you going to be withmake sure you mix,Embrace Cultural differenceshave the right Tip And know logistics. Then the whole Reverse Culture Shock Things…seem to be a lot, but that’s what I’m here for.

Should I go to Italy alone or in a group?

I want to know the same thing.

I thought traveling alone was the best way to see Italy – until I did. Now that I’ve dabbled in solo travel and group travel, I suggest you travel with a small group and a Local – The local part is a real game changer.

Anyone can go Rome And visit the Colosseum, but not everyone can go to Rome, eat home-cooked meals at their local homes, away from the chaos of the city. Culturally rich adventure is where it is, and that’s what you get when you travel with fearlessness.

Traveling alone can be liberating, but let us be a reality – it’s also tiring. Constantly planning where to eat, what to do, how to move around, culturally appropriate, what to see, how to get all done on a trip – it’s a spiritual marathon just to survive for a day. Decision fatigue is real.

• Local expertise
• Friendship in a group
• Have enough free time to explore at your own pace

There is a difference between visiting only one place and actually experiencing the daily life and customs of the locals. Traveling with local leaders can give you a deeper understanding and a deeper experience on your own (I tried it).

Think about it: Taste wine in a rural village, have lunch with the Roman nobles in his home, and fish on a traditional Messina boat in Sicily. Now That’s it How to hitchhike in Italy.

Travel like a local

How to merge (rather than screaming “tourists”)

My biggest fear of traveling is to look like an ignorant American. You know the stereotypes – loud, ignorant, do everything Wrong.

To alleviate your mind, Italians are friendly and patient with foreigners. That said, every culture has a way of doing things, and knowing some customs will help you look like you belong, not just visiting.

Here’s what I’ve learned – from experience (reply: error) and from locals themselves:

• Sit yourself in the restaurant. Don’t wait for the host in awkward manner. I had a hard time learning this, staying outside for a long time and everyone was sitting there staring at me.
• Avoid greetings to your restaurant with people outside. This puts the trap into a tourist trap – the odds are that you pay more and have a lower quality than the local gems.
• expect “Coperto” TOLL. This is a per person fee (1-2 Euros) for use of the restaurant service. There is no doubt that the tips are left, but with a few euros of quality service.
• This is another service. Italian meals could have been enjoyed. If you need a check, you have to ask for it – otherwise, you will sit there forever.

• Take a nap (riposo) It’s real. In smaller towns, businesses are usually closed between 1-4 p.m. so that people can go home, eat and rest with their families. You won’t find much in larger cities.
• Home > Work. Italians prioritize time with their loved ones relative to the noisy culture. This is a completely different mindset.
• Dinner is late. Thinking at 8 p.m. in the early evening. Yes, Italians drink coffee at 11 p.m. Just scroll.

• People stare at. This is not rude and you shouldn’t accept it yourself.
• Italians are more reserved. You won’t realize how loud Americans are until you go to another country and notice a completely different atmosphere. Just read the room, observe and respect it. When in Rome, do it like the Romans.

The difference between the United States and Italy you will like

OK, so you want to live Eat, pray, love fantasy. Me too. I fell in love with the Italian lifestyle, from slower speeds to ways people prioritize connection over convenience. Here are a few things that make Italy feel like a dream, especially for Americans:

• Italians don’t worry. They take some time, enjoy long conversations and really take a break. Life here is about slow and slow strolls – no speed walk to work with coffee.
• The idea of ​​living hard rather than working has been bothering me since my first visit. Once you experience a different lifestyle than we are used to, you realize how our priorities at home are misrepresented.

• This is how each meal is a way of experience, not just a means to achieve its end. In the United States, our meals feel like inconvenience. They are very anxious and expensive, and often they eat alone. Not in Italy.

• It is everywhere, and history is woven into buildings, streets and squares. Your local leader can show you hidden and medieval architectural gems of Spello, Ragusa, and Noto.

• I’m passionate about it. They actually have a powerful train system that caters to pedestrian walking cities, and you don’t need a car to live your daily life.
• Thin cobbled streets, people ride their own small baskets, cafes, bars and taverns in every corner – this is what Americans dream of when they think of a walking city. This is my Roman Empire (pun).

• There is a true sense of community, people take care of each other. In the United States, I don’t always emphasize individualism. This cultural difference is the breath of fresh air, one that can be taken home and shared with others.

Tips for a real (smooth) trip to Italy

Before my first trip to Italy, I felt overwhelmed – worried about language barriers, public transport, currency, cultural norms. I surpassed everything.

If you feel any pre-anxiety, here are some tips to make your experience smoother and as real as possible. Pair these tips with what you have learned so far and you will be golden.

Stay away from tourist attractions

Yes, you should visit Classic website Rome,,,,, Pompei and Amalfi Coast –They are very popular among tourists, and there is good reason! But most importantly, you should explore the secret nooks and crannies you hide.

Your local brave leader will keep you away from the main areas so you can experience real Italy from traditional cooking classes, forgotten towns and local houses. (They will also be there to let you know that 10 euros is too much for Aperol Spritz.)

• OK, comfortable walking shoes. You will walk a lot on uneven ground. Don’t even let me start the stairs.
• Shoulder bag. Pickpocketing happens around the world, but more often happens in tourist areas, so be careful about your surroundings.
• No rolling suitcase. Trust me, dragging the wheel suitcase to the narrow streets, stairs and cobbled alleys was a nightmare. If possible, select a backpack.

• Ciao – Hello
• Come to Stai? – Are you OK?
• mi chiamo – My name is…
• Grazie Mille – Thank you so much
• Prego – You’re welcome
• salute – Cheer
• mi displacement, non-parlo(a) Italian – Sorry, I don’t speak Italian
• PALLO (A) Ingelese? – Do you speak English?
• Everyone – please
• Scusi – Trouble

remember… Scusi Not scusa… *Insert the palm emoji on the face *

Let’s talk about logistics: Know before you leave

visa: youcitizen Visit Italy for up to 90 days without visa travel or business. Just make sure your passport is valid for the six months before your trip.

Wifi It is widely accessible, so unless you want to pay for the data, you can get off the grid and connect on hotels, restaurants, cafes, etc.

Walk around: This is not the United States – Italy actually has reliable public transportation. Download the Trenitalia app and you can easily get from point A to point B by train.

That said, trains will be postponed occasionally – it’s just part of the adventure. It happens, and sometimes strikes happen, but, hey, you’re in Italy. Embrace your pace, pivote when needed, and enjoy the journey.

Expert tips: Verify your train or bus tickets before boarding or get fined (and publicly humiliated). Have been there and done it.

Public toilets: Usually, you usually have to pay for a public restroom fee – usually between 0.50-1 euro, so keep some coins.

Booking attraction: If you are planning to visit major attractions like the Sistine Church or the Colosseum, book your tickets in advance to avoid queues, or, worse, missed completely.

If you have a brave trip, check your itinerary – some big attractions may already be included in the tour, which means tickets are already available for you. If you list it as an “optional” event, your leaders can advise you and help you book in advance.

Reverse Culture Shock

Cultural shocks need not only adapt New Location – Also about adjustment Back Give your old life in Italy after experiencing a slow, human-centered life, back to the fast-paced, efficient-obsessed culture home leave.

Constant rush, go crazy mentality, lack of leisurely meals and unblocked good times – everything starts to make a difference. You may find yourself wondering why it is such a deal to get a cup of coffee and why no one is sitting around enjoying the surroundings.

If you have this situation, please know that these feelings are normal. But how do you deal with it? Well, bring these Italian habits home! Slow down, make meals an activity, take a walk without a destination, and prioritize compared to convenience.

And the best way? Plan your next trip. By “plan”, I mean picking dates and books – brave leftovers covered.

OK, I think you’re ready…