What not to do when visiting Italy to ensure your trip goes smoothly.
Ciao, Italy — the land of pizza, pasta, wine, and all things romantic. Avoid these common vacation mistakes on your next trip to the Boot, so you can focus on enjoying la dolce vita.
1. Eating Too Much Pizza
While enjoying pizza is essential in Italy, it’s crucial to maintain a balanced diet throughout your trip. Indulge, but be mindful of your overall intake. Remember to leave room for other traditional dishes like pasta and gelato. Italy’s culinary delights are a significant attraction, but moderation will help you enjoy these flavors without feeling ill. Incorporate plenty of walking into your itinerary; this will allow you to savor Italy’s irresistible food scene responsibly.
2. Neglecting to Consider the Weather
Italy experiences diverse weather conditions depending on the season. Summers can be hot, and many historical buildings may lack the air conditioning common in other countries. While you don’t need to schedule your trip solely based on weather forecasts, it’s wise to prepare for the climate you’ll encounter in different regions of Italy.
3. Waiting in Unnecessary Lines
Instead of spending valuable time waiting in line to enter sites like the Duomo, consider attending a religious service instead. These services are free and allow you to respectfully observe the magnificent architecture being used for its intended purpose. Participating in a service can be a unique and meaningful experience, often taking less time than the usual tourist route. While services may generally be in Italian, many churches provide printed programs that include English translations.
4. Not Dressing Appropriately
Even though Italy is not strictly religious, many attractions, especially churches, require modest attire for entry. Both men and women should come prepared with clothing that covers shoulders, knees, and elbows. Closed-toe shoes and long pants are advisable as well. Not adhering to this dress code may result in denied entry to some of the most beautiful sites, such as the Vatican.
5. Not Carrying Cash
When exploring Italy, it’s vital to have euros readily available. You’ll encounter numerous gelato shops, street vendors, and quaint markets selling leather goods and handmade arts. While negotiating prices is common, having cash simplifies the process, especially since many vendors may not accept credit cards.
6. Forgetting to Validate Your Train Ticket (and Other Train Mishaps)
If you’ve planned to use a Eurail pass for your travels through Italy, congratulations! This can significantly enhance your journey, provided you know how to use it correctly. Always validate your ticket at a train station before boarding. Familiarize yourself with the timetable, expiration dates, and other crucial details to avoid unexpected complications. Be aware of potential rail strikes, which are usually announced in advance, yet some service will continue even on strike days through Trenitalia.
7. Planning to Sightsee on Sundays
In Italy, Sundays are traditionally marked as days of rest, meaning many attractions, shops, and restaurants may be closed or have limited hours. Make sure to check the opening times for each venue when planning your itinerary. Embrace the slower pace of Sundays by indulging in leisurely strolls and enjoying relaxed meals as the locals do.
8. Not Buying Tickets in Advance
Many of Italy’s popular attractions and activities have long lines or sell out entirely during peak seasons. If you have a must-see list for your trip, consider securing tickets well in advance. For iconic sites like St. Peter’s Basilica, early planning is essential to avoid disappointment.
9. Only Going to Rome
Focusing your entire visit on Rome is a common mistake that travelers make. The Eternal City indeed offers unparalleled historical wonders, yet Italy is abundant with hidden gems. Venture beyond Rome to explore Tuscany’s vineyards, hike in breathtaking Cinque Terre, experience the charm of Florence, glide through Venice’s canals, and uncover the secrets of Milan and Naples. You’ll miss out on countless stunning experiences if you limit yourself to just one city.
10. Tipping
In contrast to the expected tipping culture in the U.S., tipping is not customary in Italy. Restaurants and bars often include a service charge in the final bill. While it’s always appreciated to leave a tip for exceptional service, it is not expected. Review your receipt to ensure clarity on charges included.
