Are you planning a vacation to Italy? You don’t need to look far. Italy is a country rich in art, architecture stories, and legends that can make your trip unforgettable. But before your trip, there are some things you should remember so you don’t make a mistake that could ruin your dream vacation.
Avoid costly mistakes when visiting Italy
One of the best parts about any vacation is getting around a new place. Nothing is more rewarding than discovering new vistas or hidden corners to explore. One couple was recently stuck at a mountain pass after following Google maps. The local emergency services had to rescue them.
The Sardinian village is known for its rugged landscapes and winding roads. This has led them to put signs along roads to warn tourists against following Google Maps. In the span of two years, 144 rescue calls were made to the area.
1. Do not rely on your smartphone to find maps (all the time).
Smartphones and easy-to-use maps are everyone’s best friends when traveling abroad. It’s easy to find restaurants, cafes, and other attractions with simple following directions. You can also filter your results according to what you are looking for. It’s vital to keep an eye out for potential pitfalls and not get lost.
Popular maps often calculate the shortest route to any destination. However, this is not always the case if you plan on driving during your trip.
It has many narrow roads and coastlines. Failure to pay attention can lead to death. Before you set out, make sure you are familiar with the route and not just the one on your phone.
2. Validate your train ticket
People who have traveled throughout Europe know that the vast network of public transport and trains is one of its greatest assets. Trains are a great way to travel quickly and take scenic day trips or visit cities. Navigating this system can be overwhelming at times. Why not choose the easy-to-use ItaliaRail? You can book tickets for up 20 people in one booking and get English-speaking customer support 24/7. It also has a VIP Lounge at Rome Termini Station.
It is important that you validate your ticket before you board any local or regional train throughout Italy. You will find a yellow and green machine at the station where you can insert your ticket and get the date and time stamped. It’s a simple process but many tourists miss it because there’s not much information on the railways and the small print (in Italian), at the back of the train tickets doesn’t mention it. Anybody who forgets can be fined up to EUR50 if they pay on the spot. If you disagree with the decision or refuse to pay, the fine could go up to EUR100-EUR200. By this point, the controllers are immune from all excuses. It is rare that you can argue your way out of the fine.
3. Pay attention to the “daily specials”
Although we might be biased, Walks believes that Italy is the best place in the world to enjoy delicious food. There are many options for everyone, including cheese delights and pastries. vegetarian options as well as more traditional regional delights. One thing to remember when dining out is the price.
Many people view holidays as a time to spend a lot. While you will have to pay for some of the most exquisite cuisines, there is nothing worse than receiving your bill and finding out that you were charged an exorbitant amount for a simple meal. Avoid touristy restaurants. Another great tip is to price-check the menu for drinks. Avoid ordering specials (which usually don’t include prices). These items are often the most expensive and can prove to be costly. This applies to restaurants as well as coffee shops, where tourists often get nasty surprises just for ordering a simple espresso.
4. Be light
This one works for any trip. The goal is to always pack light and take less. This is especially true for trips to Italy, where the streets are narrower and more historic. As many of the walkways and paths have been damaged by heavy suitcases, work is ongoing to repair them. Not only is it better for the city, but it will also make your trip more enjoyable.
Carrying a 20kg bag up the Spanish Steps is a difficult task, I can assure you.
There are many things you can do to reduce your luggage weight, such as using hotel facilities or washing your clothes while you’re there. Your trip is not about taking in the sights and sounds of the city unless you are planning a grand getaway. If you are looking for a luxury retreat, we recommend our guide to Rome’s most elegant hotels.
5. Avoid eating at restaurants that have servers who are waiting outside.
They are found in every city. Tourist traps are a common sight in tourist areas and attractions all over Italy. There is so much to do and see, it’s no surprise that Italy has many. These places are designed to entice you in and make you feel welcome. You’ll see why once you dig deeper. Unsuspecting travelers looking for authentic Italian experiences will be disappointed by the small portions and high-priced menus. They are not only the most expensive places to grab something to eat but also have the lowest variety and most boring menu items.
You don’t have to be a tourist to enjoy the classics like lasagna or spaghetti. But if you try to find traditional sfogliatella and panforte, you will most likely be disappointed. Do your research and find authentic, reasonably priced places.
6. Book your tickets well in advance
Everyone desires a relaxing, stress-free vacation. Many people believe they can buy tickets for major attractions last minute and walk in without waiting, but this is rarely the case. It is important to be as organized as possible in order to have a relaxing trip. You don’t need to worry about details once you arrive. All you have to do to reap the benefits of your labor is to plan ahead. It is important to book tickets for all the sites that you wish to visit before you plan your trip to Italy. This could be weeks or months ahead.
Although most people think they should buy tickets for larger attractions such as the Vatican, it is also a smart idea to buy tickets for smaller sites that can sell out quickly.
It is common to have to reserve tickets for Italy at a particular time and date. This can make your trip more relaxed and not take away from spontaneity. Knowing when you will be visiting attractions allows you to plan for ‘your free time. This can be used to wander side streets and piazzas, look for hidden corners, or find the best gelato. You can save money by purchasing everything in advance. This will allow you to track how much you spent on attractions which is often the most expensive part of a trip. This will allow you to only budget for the necessary extras.
7. Cash and a card are both good options.
This has caused some controversy in travel advice columns. Some say it’s sufficient to rely solely on your card. This is problematic because if your card payment is not accepted or the machine stops working, you will have no choice but to use it. Although ATMs and card machines are available in most locations in Italy, it is better to be safe than sorry. It is a great way to prevent theft or loss by separating payment types. You can take out cash and keep track of the amount. If you don’t use it before your trip ends, you can return it to your account.
You should also know that while touristy shops and eateries will have ATMs, traditional places like stalls and markets may not. This means you won’t be able to enjoy authentic experiences and save money. This is true even if you travel further afield than the tourist areas.
