Travel to Italy- 11 Tips to Know Before You Go

With commanding Mediterranean coastlines, ancient ruins, rustic architectures and sculptures, enthralling culture and world class soul-stirring cuisine - Italy conjures up images of pizzas, pastas, gondolas serenading on the Venetian canals, the mighty renaissance architecture and intricate masterpieces of Michelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci. Italy welcomes you to a pot pourri of thrilling explorations deep into its culture, art, nature and cuisine. Alluring its visitors who flock here to relish the Italian charm, this fascinating country has something unique to offer to its guests in each of its regions, be it the vineyard lined countryside, the sophisticated fashion city of Milan, the Eternal Rome with its mesmerizing architectures, the Vatican city and Venetian Canals. Arguably one of Europe’s most sought after destination, travelling to Italy is an awe inspiring experience, but as the saying goes "when in Rome, do as the Romans do" is an advice you would like to consider during your vacation. Here are some essential tips that will come handy in making your Italian vacation hassle free and memorable.

1. Learn Basic Italian Language

Though English is spoken widely in Italy, locals have a soft corner towards their language and Italian is preferably the language of choice. Having slight knowledge of basic Italian phrases makes a big difference, especially if you have included small towns in your tour. A small translation dictionary in your pocket will make communicating much easier for you during your vacation.

2. Dress modestly

Italians have a classy fashion sense and it’s better to be dressed sensibly. Certain places do not entertain short skirts and need visitors to cover bare shoulders and knees particularly while visiting churches, the Vatican City and other holy sites. Some churches even have obligatory dress codes. If you are on a trip which includes casual sightseeing as well as visits to churches, it’s always handy to keep a scarf or sarongs with you that you can wrap around yourself before entering these places.

3. Keep your documents in order and safeguard them

The foremost rule of travelling to anywhere in the world, big city or a small town is that you should take precautions against having your money or passport stolen and exercise common safety precautions. It’s always better to have your documents in copies when you carry them. Opt for a travel insurance which will be helpful in unexpected situations. While travelling to Italy, a valid passport and visas are essential to gain entry into the country. A Schengen visa can easily be obtained if your holiday plan has other European countries included or a simple Italy visa is enough if you are travelling exclusively to Italy. The procedure to obtain a visa is very easy provided all the documents are in order and applied minimum 10 days or maximum 3 months before your intended date of travel to avoid last minute hassles.

4. Tipping and Coperto in Restaurants

In Italy, when you pay for your meal at restaurants, it is not necessary to tip the waiters and Italians do not expect a tip. The cafes, bars and dining outlets in Italy charge "coperto" along with your bill as a cover charge which would be added to the overall food and beverage bill and is charged additional to service charges.

Shop and Restaurant Timings

Most restaurants and bars have specific opening times and they close in afternoons. So if you are on a sightseeing tour after your breakfast and hope to have a quick lunch in the afternoon, there will be only a limited selection of restaurants open to serve you. It is best to follow the Italian timing for lunch and dinner. Dinner time in restaurants is usually late and catered around 8pm onwards. Many restaurants will be open in the evening but they would start service quite late into the evening.

6. Casual Behaviour in Restaurants

After you enjoy a delectable Italian meal at a restaurant, ask for the check as it won’t be delivered to your table unless you notify the waiter. Also the waiters in restaurants will not wait on your table; they may not come back on your table once the food is served on. It doesn’t mean you are being ignored, the restaurants like people to enjoy good food and conversations and would leave you to enjoy your meal until it’s time for you to pay the bill, in which case you will have to ask for the bill.

7. Check best times to visit Italy

With a Mediterranean type of climate, Italy has a splendid atmosphere for visitors to enjoy, with subtle coastal breeze and sunshine. However, the weather varies from north to south throughout the year with November seeing the most rainfall, July being the hottest month and January being Italy's coldest month. While planning your Italy travel, do consider the weather changes in different areas which will help you to pack accordingly and avoid disappointments due to harsh climate while you are on your vacation.

8. Plan in Advance

Famous for its varied destinations, cuisine and landscapes, travellers love to visit Italy from all around the world. The destination is usually in peak season from Easter till October and during Christmas, and hotels can be fully booked and major attractions may be very crowded. Planning in advance and pre-booking major attractions can save some dissatisfaction.

9. Driving in Italy

In Italy, there aren’t much rules when it comes to driving, is less organized and the roads and lanes are usually choked with scooter, cars, buses and trucks in frenzy ways with locals driving at high speeds. Hence make sure to be careful in case you are driving on Italian roads during your vacation. Also finding parking spots can be very frustrating at historic and major sites.

10. Understand the transport system

Thanks to the country’s excellent rail network, getting around Italy is generally easy. But even though much of Italy is served by train, the trains here do get affected due to periodic strikes, and it’s better to keep this factor in mind while planning your tour. If you are planning to go on off beaten track, renting a car is a good option as many remote towns do not have train connectivity. Cabs in Italy have to be called prior or you need to book a service as you cannot hail a taxi anywhere on the street.

11. Decide on a slow paced itinerary

There is so much beauty to see and sights to experience in Italy - a plethora of amazing art and culture, cuisine and vineyards. With so much to explore, it is possible that you may cram up a lot of attractions while planning your itinerary that may end up making your journey tiring that leaves you disgruntled. Also it is better not to get everything scheduled to the point as services in Italy are not bound to punctuality and there may be delays. The main focus should be on enjoying exploring the country and it is better to have a flexible tour planned out which leaves you time to wander around, savour the local sights and food giving you a relaxing time.

Every country is different in its culture and behaviour and it is ideal to follow their ways while you are their guest, in fact it is the best way to mingle among the locals and get to experience their lifestyle. Italy is by far one of Europe’s picture perfect destinations, with equally pleasing locals and to blend into their simple etiquettes will make your Italian journey an enjoyable moment in your life.

I am a travel writer, passionate about travelling.