Italy, my home country, doesn’t need any introduction. Thanks to its dazzling cities, historic buildings, beautiful language, and delicious foods, an Italian holiday is on virtually every traveler’s bucket list. However, your first trip to Italy can be a bit intimidating since it is a large country with many diverse regions, each one with its own unique history, culture and dialect. This guide will help you to make the most of your time in this wonderful country!
Before setting off on your dream vacation around Italy, you need to be fully prepared for what you’re about to encounter. If you’ve already booked your tickets, packed your bags, and are counting down the days, or even if you’re just getting started planning your trip, here are a few tips on how to enjoy your time in Italy to the fullest.
Start Early
Yes, you’re on a vacation, and waking up early isn’t your favorite thing to do. You probably want to stay out late, go to clubs, and get a nice slow start to your mornings. This plan may sound perfect when you’re at home or even in other countries; however, it is not the ideal way to spend time in Italy.
Almost all of the main attractions in Italy are best appreciated in the early mornings. It is the best time to wander around historic streets, explore the beauty of the cities, and see the magnificent architecture. Moreover, early morning is when the weather is cool and the sunlight isn’t overpowering, like it does in Rome in the summer. It is the time of day when the pastries at the cafés are fresh. You may be grumpy at first, but once you realize the beauty around you, you won’t regret setting that alarm. The rewards? Having the city almost all to yourself and enjoying a breakfast in an Italian “bar” like a true local!
Read about Public Transportation
Unless you’re going to rent a car and drive yourself, you need to be familiar with the public transportation options you have at your disposal. Italy is a big country, so if you want to visit different regions, like Tuscany or Emilia Romagna, you probably need to take either a bus, train, or plane. You should read about how to get around each city, whether it be a bus, tram, or metro. Your research will not only help you find your way in a foreign country but can also save you lots of money since some cities offer a day pass, for instance. Additionally, some websites offer a full guide on train systems, so be sure to check them out.
Speaking of transportation, book a flight with a trusted airline or a private jet service to make the best of your time from the moment you take off. You can even book a private jet using cryptocurrencies, as suggested by Bit Lux Travel and experience a premium service at the same time. No matter where you’re going in Italy, it’s important to have a plan for getting from one place to the next to make the most out of your trip.
Avoid Busy Times
If you want your trip to Italy to be enjoyable and stress-free, familiarize yourself with the peak times and rush hour at the metro or museums and steer clear of them around those times. Furthermore, if you’re heading to a specific restaurant based on all the travel gurus’ reviews, make sure you check if it requires a reservation first. Most restaurants, especially in tourist cities, are busiest around lunch and dinner times, which are usually around 2 pm and 9 pm, respectively.
Additionally, stay away from tourist traps by exploring other cities that may not be as famous as the ones we’ve all heard of. If you want to travel to popular destinations like Puglia, at least avoid the peak summer season.
Italy has an abundance of beautiful cities that can dazzle any traveler, so don’t limit your destinations to Florence, Rome, and Venice.
Learn Italian
How many times have you considered learning a new language but never actually had the chance to do so? Seize the opportunity and learn Italian to be able to communicate easily while you’re there. Even though English is a widespread language that almost every country uses to some degree, native Italians show a deep affection for their own language. Especially if you’re far from major cities, not everyone will be able to converse in English. Therefore, learn some basic Italian to help you communicate with locals in restaurants, shops and on the streets. Moreover, while you’re in Italy, pay close attention to people’s pronunciations to help you pick up the accent and improve your newly grasped language.
Since you’re looking forward to having a fantastic vacation, where you get to rest and enjoy the beauty of a new culture, you should do some research and have a detailed plan before you get on the plane. Any traveler can run into challenges in a new country, especially if they’re not well prepared or haven’t read much about it.
These tips are designed to help you understand more about Italy so you can enjoy all the history, food, language, and culture the country has to offer so that you can travel without worries. And of course, don’t forget to take lots of pictures and have fun!
