Thinking about my 10-day trip to Italy, I wasn’t 100% prepared which is unlike me but that didn’t stop me from enjoying myself. These are the essential travel tips you need to know for Italy, whether it’s your first time or you need a little reminder. Some of the tips below I had learnt before and during my stay whilst some are commonly known. I even admit my mistakes and have (hopefully) learnt for when I next go to Italy or anywhere else for that matter. Shall we start?
Book Train Tickets Online
I’ve taken the train a few times in Italy and there’s always a long queue at the ticketing office and machines at the station. Buying the tickets online would be the most convenient way as I would recommend downloading the Trenitalia app (Android | iOS). You’re able to book a specific time and reserve seats. The app will contain a QR code that you scan at the station and the train conductor on board will scan too. Everything is on the phone these days.
As I was worried about any potential flight delays, I didn’t book any train tickets from Rome Fiumicino Airport to Roma Termini just in case. Either way, when I had arrive (luckily no delays), I was able to book the next train from the airport to the city via the app with ease.
When you book Trenitalia tickets for regional trains online, you won’t need to validate your ticket before you board. It eases any anxiety and potential fines if you forget to validate with an actual paper ticket. For high-speed trains such as Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, you won’t need to validate even with a paper ticket. More on validating in the next point.
Validate your Tickets
This is applicable to most paper train, bus and tram tickets as they generally do not contain a specific time, it only has the date. You can get fined by inspectors if you don’t validate your ticket, even if you didn’t know and it was an honest mistake. And now you know.
For paper train tickets, there are instances where you’ll need to validate your ticket before you board:
- If you book online and it says you need to print your ticket at the station.
- Regional tickets purchased at the station.
You’ll be able to validate it in the yellow or green machines on the platform before you board.
For buses and trams, you need to validate your paper tickets immediately when you board, using the stamping machines.
Check the Opening Hours
Mistake number 1 for me. I was in Rome with a loose plan and silly me forgot to check the opening times for museums I was going to visit on a Monday. As it turns out, they were closed on Mondays and I was planning my day on that Monday morning. Not ideal however I did readjust my plans accordingly and in the end, I missed out on visiting some places. In hindsight, I should have done this one basic check.
As simple as this may be, do check the opening hours so you don’t miss out. Most museums close on Mondays whereas the Vatican museum close on Sundays.
Book Entrance Tickets in Advance and Online
Last-minute bookings are a big no-no as popular attractions do sell out like lightning and have notorious long queues where there’s only a limited number of tickets on the door. There are alternative ways to get last-minute tickets from sites like GetYourGuide where you would enter as a tour group but you’re free to explore on your own. Keep in mind that you’ll be paying a few euros extra though. Guided tours are available too.
It’s recommended to buy your tickets in advance to save the hassle of queuing. You would select a designated date and time to enter. Some attractions require you to book many weeks in advance (e.g. Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, Academia Gallery) whilst some you can book the night before. Another thing to keep in mind is the whether your visit is during peak or off-peak time.
I would generally book them on the official website whilst GetYourGuide is the last-minute option for me. Also, audio guides are worth it.
Take Some Cash
Italy is known as a cash-orientated country. Some places may accept cash only or have a minimum spend to be able to use your card. I would recommend taking some cash and considering using it in emergency cases such as paying tourist tax at your accommodation (some do not accept card), a card getting declined, a small spend, paying at the market etc. If you need more, you can go to the bank or use an ATM. If you have some leftovers on your last day or two, then spend the rest.
Pay Tourist Tax
When you book your accommodation online, you’ll see something called tourist tax or city tax. This is on top of your actual accommodation price and it’ll be a few euros per night depending on the city and accommodation category. It is a separate payment and must be paid when you check into your accommodation. Some may accept debit/credit cards whilst some are cash only.
If you don’t see tourist or city tax when booking, it doesn’t mean you’re exempt. You will still need to pay when you arrive so don’t be surprised when you get charged. There are no exceptions.
Cover Up at Sacred, Religious Sites
There are dress codes that must be adhered to for both men and women. Some sites are a lot stricter than others and you may be denied entry if your outfit is deemed inappropriate. It’s not worth risking where you may potentially ruin your experience. Does anyone else feel like this is a common courtesy and should be respected?
No bare shoulders and knees and no low-cut tops. In other words, I would suggest modest clothing. If you’re wearing sleeveless tops, carry a shawl, scarf or cardigan with you, then you’ll be able to wear these to cover your shoulders.
Pack Appropriately
Sensible shoes spring to mind! Cobbled streets are charming and wearing inappropriate footwear may do some damage to your ankle and foot. I can’t imagine wearing heels around otherwise I’d snap both of my ankles! With all of the walking and exploring you’re going to do, you’d want to be at your most comfortable.
Don’t overpack or pack too heavily. Some accommodations may not have lifts and dragging your heavy suitcase up a few floors isn’t the ideal start after landing. Recycling your outfits saves space because, in all honesty, no one is really going to care. Also, pack weather appropriate.
Bring Mosquito Repellant
If you have enticing blood that attracts mosquitos and gets bitten easily then I would highly suggest packing some insect repellant. I didn’t anticipate how warm and humid it was at the beginning to mid October and let’s say, mosquitos had a feast. My legs and arms were covered in bites and being mildly allergic to them is not fun either.
For the warmer months, don’t forget to pack some repellant and anything to help soothe any bites you may get.
Beware of Pickpockets
Be vigilant, and attentive to your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings. This is important, especially in crowded, touristy areas, train stations and public transport. While you can’t 100% avoid being targeted, you can mitigate the risk and exercise simple measures: not putting all your cards and cash in one place, don’t carry a lot at one time, don’t get distracted by random approaches and scams etc.
Bonus: Use Common Sense and Be Respectful
I don’t think I need to say anything else.
Do you have any essential travel tips for Italy?
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