Italy is one of the most beloved and visited places on earth. It's gorgeous, geographically diverse, and oozing with culture. If you want to experience it in all of it's glory, there are some things you need to know to make the best of it!
1. Air Conditioning is not as ubiquitous as you'd think it would be in a place where the heat index commonly rises to or above 100F throughout the summer. When booking a home or hotel (many of which are boutique style) in the summer, check to see if A/C is listed.
2. It's safe, but petty crimes like pick-pocketing are prevalent. You have to be especially careful in tourist hot spots. The area of the Vatican is a target area. The people who do this are experts. Don't keep your phone or wallet in a back pocket, even for a brief amount of time. Also, be careful in restaurants. Don't put anything on top of the table. If you have a wallet in a jacket, don't put the jacket on the back of your chair. If someone asks you to take a survey, asks you a lot of questions, or tries to entertain you somehow, keep in mind it could be a distraction technique.
3. Southern Italy still has a trash problem, but there is still TONS of beauty, charm, and it's worth seeing. The city of Naples used to have a major problem with trash in the downtown area. It has been recently cleaned up, but it's still an issue, especially in the surrounding areas along the road (particularly along exits of highways). It's a common phrase to hear, "Keep your eyes up, and you'll love it". If you can look past some it, you'll get to know and love the ancient architecture, history, art, and local culture, despite the trash.
4. Leave your beach gear at home; beaches here have it all! There are some public beaches, but your best bet is to find a lido (beach club), which are very common. For a small fee (usually between 5-10 euros a person), you can have a reclining beach bed and umbrella. Lidos have bathrooms, showers, changing rooms, bars and restaurants, and sometimes include things like pools, dance floors, hot tubs, and playgrounds. Vendors walk along the beach with apparel, beach toys and inflatables, snow cones, etc.
5. Understand Riposo. Like Spanish siestas, there is a break in the afternoon, called riposo, in which many small businesses close, including restaurants. It can be difficult to find a place to eat a late lunch in non-tourist heavy areas.
6. No early bird specials! Dinner time in Italy starts late (typically around 730, and that's even considered early). You'll see families roll in to restaurants around 830/9 and stay until 11 or later!
7. You have to ask for your bill. "Il conto, per favore!" is what you say to your waiter for him to bring it. Unlike America, it's not brought to you after the table is cleared. It's not poor service; it's their culture. Also, get used to what you may consider slow service. Italians take their time to eat supper, usually eating several courses while enjoying several bottles of wine!
8. It's true that ordering wine at dinner can be cheaper than ordering water. Take advantage of it! Also, when ordering water, you will be asked if you want regular (naturale) or sparkling (frizzante).
9. You can bring a travel adapter for electronics, but be careful. If you have a device that isn't rated for 220V, it can kill it, trip the breaker (if you stay in a home), or both. Hair dryers use a lot of power, and need to either be dual voltage or you will need a power converter (an adapter doesn't convert).
10. Strikes occur, often without any notice (at least not to tourists). Keep in mind that transportation services could become delayed or canceled due to strikes. For the most part, you can rely on public transportation, but it's wise to plan ahead and have alternatives lined up, or cash ready to take a cab/Uber if needed.
11. The driving (especially in the south) can be intense. There are lines in the middle of the road and stop signs like everywhere else. However, don't be surprised to see them completely ignored. Also, southern Italy is known for more aggressive driving. You'll notice this while going through traffic circles. If you're polite and wait your turn, you may get honked at.
12. Rental car insurance normally covered by credit cars does not apply in Italy. See number 12! ha! You won't have the protection that you may think you have. Be sure to check in advance with your company to see what's covered. You may need to purchase an additional/separate insurance plan just for your stay in Italy.
13. Rental car companies can scam you if you aren't careful. Do not sign an electric document blindly. A common tactic is for the company to email you the agreement AFTER you've signed for it electronically, only to find out they've circled every addition on the contract, and you're then obligated to pay for it. Ask for a printed contract.
14. Most rental cars have a manual transmission. You can find automatic ones, but you may pay a steep price for one. They will be harder to come by during the summer when more Americans visit. Also, larger vehicles are harder to find. Don't expect to get an SUV or American style minivan. If you have more than 5 passengers, you won't have much room at all for luggage in most "7 passenger" vehicles, as the 3rd row usually folds down from the back storage area. If you have ONE large suitcase and 6+ passengers, you'll probably get an industrial style 9 passenger (manual) van.
15. August is like a month long holiday for Italians. Many businesses close for the ENTIRE month! Workers in the inland cities will flock to the coast, so many coastal towns will be in their prime (expect even heavier crowds in them), but if you stay in smaller cities, or inland, beware that a lot of places shut down.
16. Dogs are Everywhere
17. King beds (and even queen) are hard to come by. If you do find an accommodation with king, it's usually two twin beds pushed together.
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