
Preparing to jet off to Italy is an exhilarating experience. You’ve likely been eagerly anticipating this trip, meticulously planning every detail. As the departure date looms, so do the questions. What should you pack to prepare for every Italian adventure, and what can you safely leave behind to avoid overpacking? Beyond packing, you’re probably wondering about navigating a foreign country, blending in with the locals, and making the most of your time in this alluring destination. Not to worry. This article on tips for traveling to Italy is your comprehensive guide, walking you through the essential tips and tricks to ensure your journey through Italy is as smooth and enjoyable as possible. We’ve covered everything from packing smart to embracing Italian customs at every step.
10 Tips For Traveling To Italy
If you are a seasoned traveler to Italy, you likely already have a wealth of knowledge and tips that make navigating this beautiful country a breeze. You’ve probably mastered the art of ordering the perfect espresso, know the best times to visit popular landmarks to avoid crowds, and understand the unspoken rules of Italian etiquette. However, if this is your first trip to Italy, there’s no need to worry. With some preparation and insider knowledge, you’ll feel like a pro in no time. Read on to discover some essential do’s and don’ts to help you make the most of your Italian adventure.
What You Need To Know For Your Travels To Italy
You do not need to be a seasoned traveler to know the dos and don’ts of Italy. Following the tips below will gain a wealth of knowledge and feel like a pro.
- Get Travel Insurance: One of the most important steps you can take before embarking on your trip to Italy is to get travel insurance. Health insurance in the US is strictly for the US, which means that should you become sick or injured, while in Italy, your US health insurance will not cover your medical expenses. This is why purchasing travel insurance is imperative for any international trip. Travel insurance provides a safety net that can save you from unexpected and potentially very high costs. Medical emergencies abroad can be incredibly expensive, and having travel insurance ensures you are covered for any necessary treatments, hospital stays, or even medical evacuation.
In addition to medical coverage, travel insurance often includes benefits such as trip cancellation or interruption protection, lost or delayed baggage coverage, and emergency assistance services. These features can be invaluable when dealing with unforeseen circumstances that could disrupt your travel plans. I always use Safety Wing when I travel. I highly recommend them for getting coverage before your trip.
2. Prepare For All The Walking: You will walk more miles in Italy in a day than you’ll ever walk in a day in America. For example, on my first day in Bologna, I walked 10 miles. When do we ever walk 10 miles in America? If you are not accustomed to walking this much, I suggest you prepare by walking for long stints before going. This will help you acclimate to the 1000s of steps you will be taking in Italy.

3. Don’t Stay In American Chain Hotels: American chain hotels should be left for America. Stay at boutique hotels to fully submerge yourself into the Italian culture. These are the best hotels to stay in while in Italy.
4. Rental Cars: Credit cards often have insurance coverage of rental cars. If you use a credit card to rent a car, check to see if it has rental converge. Most likely, it does, so you can avoid paying for unnecessary coverage by waiving it through the rental company.
5. Don’t Stick To Tourist Spots: Tourist spots are literally a trap. Of course, you want to see these “top things to do,” but often, going off the beaten path will bring you just as much joy, if not more. Also, when you stick to tourist spots, you won’t find authentic places to eat. These tourist spots are loaded with waiters trying to lure you into what could possibly be a restaurant that serves microwaved meals at a very high price. For more information on things like this, check out Rome tourist traps and how to avoid them.
6. Phone Use: Don’t use your cell phone company’s international plan. It will cost you!
I suggest purchasing an e-SIM card. You can also stop into a cellular store when you reach your destination and purchase a physical SIM card. In my experience, it’s super easy to download the e-SIM card and activate it when you arrive. Either way, it is something that you will need if you plan on using data and not sticking to Wi-Fi only.
7. Not Respecting the Local Way Of Life: The best way to address this is to consider yourself a guest. Be open to exploring the Italian way of life. It is very much different than our American way of life. Please be courteous to them and behave as a guest.
8. Pack Light: This is a must! You will definitely be putting in some serious walking miles, and often, if traveling through Tuscany, you will do a ton of uphill and downhill walking. Trust me when I say to pack light because getting your luggage to your hotel can be challenging. I have to laugh when I think back to my last trip, and one of the hills was so monstrous that I thought getting my luggage up it was going to be the death of me! I truly made the mistake of overpacking and doing a checked bag, and I won’t do that again!

9. Keep It Down A Notch: Americans like to talk loud for unknown reasons. I think we all feel the need to be heard. When in Italy or Europe, take it down a notch. Not everyone wants or needs to hear what you are saying, especially three tables away.
10. Do Not Try To Do It All In One Trip: I cannot express this enough. On my latest trip, I knew I was trying to do too much in my two weeks there, so I stayed smart and crossed some places off my list. Yes, there is a lot to see and do while in Italy, but if you cart off from one destination to the next every single day, you will not enjoy yourself.
Instead, plan to spend a few days in one location at a time or stick to locations within one region. You will thank yourself for this. Plus, where is the fun of packing your suitcase daily to move on to the next town? La semplicità è l’ultima sofisticazione. (Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.)…keep it simple.
FAQs
Below are some frequently asked questions that you might find helpful for additional tips on traveling to Italy.
What Do Americans Need When Traveling To Italy?
Some common items you will want to bring are voltage converters.
I would invest in voltage converter step-downs. This is safer for phones, laptops, and curling irons. Another item would be your cell phone’s e-sim card. Make sure you have this downloaded before your trip. Also, invest in a portable charger for your phone.
Should You Carry Your Passport With You In Italy?
Absolutely! You should never be without your original passport. Copies are not good enough. Police officers can ask anyone to see a passport anytime, so be prepared to always have it on you.
Should You Know Italian Before Going There?
It’s a good idea to learn some basics, such as how to order a coffee or ask for water and say please and thank you. In the larger Italian cities, most Italians know how to speak English, but they don’t in many of the smaller, rural towns.
Conclusion
Using the tips I’ve outlined, you’ll be well-prepared for an extraordinary trip to Italy. Remember to act like a respectful guest, embracing and enjoying the rich Italian culture. Learn a few basic Italian phrases, savor their delicious cuisine, and submerge yourself in the local traditions.
Italy is all about enjoying la dolce vita – the sweet life. Take the time to slow down, appreciate the simple pleasures, and engage with the locals. Whether it’s a leisurely meal, a stroll through a historic piazza, or participating in a local festival, savor every moment, and don’t forget to use my 10 tips for traveling to Italy.
