Italy is one of the most popular and attractive tourist destinations in the world, with more than fifty UNESCO World Heritage sites, three active volcanoes and more than 1,500 lakes, and traveling to Italy is characterized by delicious food and the smallest restaurant in the world that can accommodate only two people Although it is a relatively small country, it really has something to suit everyone's tastes, from charming beaches and beautiful cities to attractive archaeological sites, arts, and dazzling landscapes.However, it is common to experience culture shock, which is defined as the confusion and anxiety of visitors caused by the difficulty of assimilating a new culture and customs substantially different from their original culture or adapting to the local community in foreign countries, and this can sometimes lead to fraud, tourist By paying extra money, and generally causing disappointment or confusion.
You have a lot to know about Italy and consider before planning your trip, so if you are traveling to the country for the first time, in this guide you will find many tips and advice related to traveling to Italy to help you have a great trip, enjoy your time, and overcome the potential challenges that you may face while traveling to Italy. Italy, which will enable you to enjoy a safe stay and experience a unique experience on every trip you take.
1. Pack as few items as possible
While traveling to Italy, getting around Italian cities with a lot of bags and heavy luggage can be a big challenge for visitors, due to the many stairs and ramps, cobblestone streets, and narrow hotel stairs. Regardless of your travel style, be sure to pick the right bags and pack only the essentials to ensure an easy trip and a comfortable stay. If you're planning to visit places like Venice, you'll also need to be able to carry your luggage on water buses and up stairs because lifts are rare.
2. Wear comfortable shoes
Wearing comfortable shoes when you are outside will make your life a lot easier for the same reason mentioned above. If you are planning a trip to Venice, keep in mind that you may need a pair of stivali di gomma rubber boots as a precaution in case the water levels rise in the lower parts of town such as Piazza San Marco.
3. Check the validity of your train ticket
If traveling to Italy by train, be sure to validate your ticket before boarding the train. Since train stations in Italy do not have turnstiles, it is up to you to validate your ticket at the machines located near the entrance to each station platform and are usually green or yellow, and be aware that passengers are charged high fines with expired tickets.
Emergency tip: If you can't find a machine or it doesn't work, or if you're in a hurry, the best thing to do is to write on the ticket the last time it was used, this may just be enough to convince the ticket collector to Board the train that you have good intentions.
4. Book high-speed trains in advance
High-speed trains in Italy are referred to as "frecce", such as Freciarossa, Frecciabianca and Frecciargento. Reservations usually open 120 days before the date of your trip, and it is always best to buy tickets in advance to ensure you get a cheaper price. Italo, which is the official seller of Italian high-speed train tickets.
Tips for eating in restaurants in Italy
1. Dinner is eaten late
Italians, especially in the south of the country, usually eat their food late starting at nine in the evening, the restaurant that serves dinner between 5 and 7 in the evening caters to tourists, so the quality of the food is often lower, good restaurants do not open for the most part before 7 In the evening, unless places also serve an aperitivo, a drink that comes with chips and other appetizers, this can be an excellent way to quench your hunger while waiting for dinner or to whet your appetite.
2. The tipping culture does not exist in Italy
No one will criticize you and you won't get bad looks if you don't tip the waiter, although it has become a common culture in major tourist places, some restaurant waiters may expect it especially if the service is good and meticulous, the food served is delicious and the whole experience is enjoyable, Italians are willing to leave about 1 -2 euros only per person.
Useful tips for sightseeing in Italy
Some stores and establishments take a break during the day
It is rare to find a 24/7 shop in Italian cities, let alone small towns, while working several hours non-stop is becoming more common in some larger stores, where generally every Italian shop or place closes right after lunch at 12 or 1 p.m., then reopens at 3 or 4 p.m. After the ribosino has taken a nap and the rest period is over, Monday is usually a day off for shops, mini markets, restaurants, hairdressers and beauty salons, it would be good to blog Opening hours because that will definitely benefit you.
Check public holidays dates
Public holidays are likely to affect your travel plans and the ability to visit attractions. The most important public holidays to know about are the following:
● January 1: New Year's Day.
● January 2: Epiphany.
The date varies from late March to April: Easter and Little Easter.
● June 2: Republic Day.
● August 15: Feast of the Assumption Ferragosto.
● November 1: Halloween.
● November 8: Immaculate Conception.
● November 25: Christmas.
● December 26: St. Stephen's Day or Boxing Day.
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