The first time we travel to a country it is common to make mistakes, the lack of knowledge of the customs and rules makes us more than once end up offending someone without having a clue or paying more. Here is a list of the main mistakes I made on my first trip to Italy so that you don’t repeat them.
1. Not organizing the trip
With more than 300 square km, there is a lot to see in Italy, so it is important that you take a clear route to know what you want to see during your trip. Arriving and improvising can waste a lot of time and money. It could also make you miss some activities that are recommended to be booked in advance, such as the Pope’s audiences. So it is best to be clear in advance what you will do and how you will move.
Here are two of the most popular routes in Italy that I have done:
Extra tip. Consider that a good part of the businesses in Italy close on Sundays, especially in the towns. So it may be better for you to organize that day to be in a large city like Rome where you can find more activities, or the Vatican itself where you may even receive the Pope’s blessing.
2. Don’t think about transportation
A route by car can be very practical in Tuscany, while very chaotic in destinations where it is difficult to find where to park. The train can be very efficient on certain routes, but very expensive if you don’t buy it in advance. So it is very important that once you have your route, you review the transportation you would like to use in each one, so that you don’t get a bad surprise.
3. Not validating your ticket
An error that occurs with tourists throughout Europe, but is extremely common in Italy, is not validating your transportation ticket (metro, bus or train) when using it. That is, it’s not just about buying the ticket, you also have to validate it before getting on. This way the time you used the train is stamped and you cannot use it again. Failure to do this simple process carries fines ranging from 50 euros. If you have questions about what this process is like, I have prepared this guide on How to use the train in Europe.
4. Not wearing the right clothes
When it comes to summer, Italy can be very hot. However, if your plans include visiting a church such as the Duomo of Milan or the Vatican, it is necessary for both men and women to cover their shoulders and knees. So it is better to be prepared with long pants or skirts, as well as something that covers the top.
5. Neglecting your belongings
In Italy, as in any other country in the world, you can end up being another victim of pickpockets. However, I emphasize it here because due to the large number of visitors this practice is more common than in other places. If you want to see What are the most common travel scams click here.
6. Buy water on the street
Especially in the summer when the heat can be stifling, you will find street vendors selling bottles of water. But be careful, many are not sealed, therefore they have been filled with water from fountains (don’t worry, the water from fountains in cities like Rome is drinkable, but to drink water from the street you can refill your bottle yourself).
7. Eat in restaurants “for tourists”
These are the businesses that are in the most touristy areas, in front of famous monuments or in important squares and that therefore do not have much quality but do have very high prices. Not all of them are like this, but many are, so it is worth always checking the recommendations of other travelers in an application or at least Google it before entering.
Also, don’t forget that some restaurants charge “covers” for the simple act of sitting, so before entering check if this charge exists and what the charge is. Also, be sure to check not only the prices of the drinks, sometimes the food is not that expensive but for a glass of water you can pay more than 4 euros.
8. Buy “artisanal” ice cream anywhere
Who doesn’t want to enjoy a famous gelato in Italy? However, the same thing applies here as in restaurants, just because it is expensive does not mean it is good, sometimes you can find an ice cream for more than 5 euros that is offered as “artisanal” that is quite mediocre and actually commercial type. . So check the recommendations before giving in to temptation. If you want to know the best ice cream parlors in Rome click here.
9. Not considering the location of the accommodation
When choosing accommodation, many consider everything except location, a serious mistake, especially in cities like Rome or Venice where transportation can be really expensive. If you want to know which areas are recommended, Click here and I’ll explain.
And in case you decide to rent a car, don’t forget to research parking options in the area.
10. Don’t book attractions
Italy is so touristy that booking in advance some attractions such as the Milan Duomo, the Roman Colosseum, the Vatican museums, the Tower of Pisa, as well as the most popular museums, can save you from spending a lot of time waiting in line. You can book your activities in Italy here.
Extra tip. Thinking that Spanish is the same as Italian
That learning Italian is not learning German or Chinese for Spanish speakers is clear to me, but thinking that by speaking Spanish they will understand everything in Italy is a mistake. Learning a few words or carrying a dictionary will help you get around more easily and even establish a conversation with a local.
And what you can’t miss…
Buy activities and tours in Rome here
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⚠️It is mandatory to travel with insurance
Insurance is an essential requirement to travel to many countries in the world such as those in the Schengen Area. You can get it from 20 USD and if you use my code you receive 20% discount. Get an insurance quote here.