Before you go golf carting through Rome or rowing the canals of Venice, read my quick tips to help save some money, stress, and get the most out of your trip. Here are my top eleven tips for traveling in Italy.
As an Amazon associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases if you use a link below (at no extra cost to you). This helps keep my blog running, so thank you very much for your support!
Table of Contents
- (Learn How to) Use Public Transportation
- You Have to Pay to Use Public Restrooms
- If You’re Driving…
- Know How to Pay
- Don’t Get Tip-sy
- Avoid Scams
- Book Sightseeing Tix in Advance
- A Little Lingo Goes a Long Way
- A Cappuccino is for Mornings Only
- Prep for Cobblestone and Stairs
- Leave the Big Cities
(Learn How to) Use Public Transportation
Of my eleven tips for traveling in Italy, this is my best one if you want to avoid getting grilled by the Carabinieri (the Italian police).
Always validate your ticket before jumping on a train or bus. There is usually a machine near the boarding platform where you can insert your ticket for a time and date stamp.
My mom and I forgot to do this on a trip to Milan, and the Carabinieri nearly deported us. Not really. My mom argued with them
You Have to Pay to Use Public Restrooms
The great part about this is they actually have public restrooms when you need one (and attendants restocking and cleaning them, most of the time). However, you do have to leave some change to use it (or hand it to the attendant).
Some places actually take credit cards now, too! We were in luck in Austria last year when our daughter needed to use the restroom, urgently of course (isn’t it always?), the gas station bathroom accepted credit cads. Whew.
If You’re Driving…
…then learn the street signs. And obey them!
Or you will get a ticket. And the worst part is you won’t even know it until 3 months later, back at home, sipping your vino, when wham-o you get a notice from your car rental company. Just when you thought you were done paying off the trip…
Also, check out AAA’s website to see if you need an international driving permit.
And don’t miss the “rest stops” (or Autogrills) on the side of the freeway. The food is actually really good and well-priced. They may even have clean bathrooms and high chairs! This is nothing like in the US.
Know How to Pay
Always pay in the local currency (euros) when using a credit card. Otherwise you’ll pay more in exchange fees.
Also, don’t just toss your change aside – you’re going to need it for parking, bathrooms, cappuccinos, pizza, whatever.
Those Euro coins are worth more than you think, some are worth 2 euro, which actually goes a lot further than $2 bucks in the States!
Carry cash! Credit card payments are becoming more common now, but it still is frowned upon in some parts, especially if the total bill is small. Those local small businesses shouldn’t have to pay that service fee.
Don’t Get Tip-sy
This is my best tip for budgeting out of my eleven tips for traveling in Italy.
Tipping can really add up in the rest of the world. But in certain countries in Europe, Italy being one of them, tips aren’t expected like they are in America. It’s more common to just leave the change from your bill. Or you can leave a little extra something for great service.
You might see a “coperto” included in your bill if you sit down at a table. This is similar to a “cover charge.” You don’t have to tip on top of that.
Avoid Scams
Whenever traveling abroad, be on the lookout for scams and cons. I’ve been in a couple sketchy situations in Italy in particular.
Pick-pocketing is the most common one goin’. Only use a sling backpack or cross body purse that you can easily keep an eye on. Fanny packs are cool if you wear ’em diagonally (cross body), right? Or use something more concealed like a slim money belt.
Be on the lookout for:
- illegitimate cab drivers, overcharging (wait in line for a taxi or call / order one on an app). The government has put a cap of 50 euro for a ride from the Rome airport to the city center, so don’t pay more than that!
- distractions that could lead to pick pocketing (especially at busy train stations)
- art or goods on the ground that you accidentally step on and then have to pay for?!?!
- forced “gifts” they will put on you (e.g. a friendship bracelet) then make you pay for it
- fake ticket sales on the street (always book direct or through a reputable 3rd party vendor like Viator)
Book Sightseeing Tix in Advance
Speaking of tickets, some sites you must book in advance. I’d recommend far in advance if you are traveling in the peak summer season.
The Colosseum and seeing the David in Florence are among many.
Colosseum tickets are released 30 days ahead of time. As an insider travel advisor, I recommend booking directly for Colosseum tickets as recently third-party sellers have been cancelling last minute when the Colosseum does not provide the necessary tickets they have reserved. It’s best to book direct!
Oh, and see the Colosseum at night!! It’s beautiful.
Contact me if you want to do the sunset golf cart tour with ‘aperitivi’ (drinks and appetizers at happy hour time). You get to see all the major sights at sunset while doing happy hour like the locals – and to “top it off”… in a golf cart!!
If you’d rather book experiences and tours on your own, then use Viator. In 2018, we found and booked a pub crawl in London with our baby, and it was one of my favorite memories!
A Little Lingo Goes a Long Way
In the big cities, most will speak enough English to get by. But it’s still a nice gesture to learn some of the local language when traveling. DuoLingo is an easy app to start with.
We love diving into the culture and trying to learn more of the language for months before we go. We’ve gotten so much more of a friendly response from the locals, making for a better trip.
A Cappuccino is for Mornings Only
My mom won’t stop telling me about all the reels she keeps seeing on IG about this, so I felt compelled to include it. Oh, that algorithm…
Supposedly Italians only order cappuccino in the morning, and can be annoyed with anything but? Just hearsay. I have nothing to back that up.
Prep for Cobblestone and Stairs
Because they are everywhere you go.
Some train stations don’t have escalators or elevators – keep that in mind when packing! This handsome duffel backpack would make the perfect Father’s Day gift. Or check out my Amazon storefront for more lightweight luggage pieces for the whole fam, perfect for trotting around Europe.
And just forget flats. You’re gonna need something with some cushion and support. You won’t last long at all if you don’t bring a good pair of walking shoes – trust me.
There is a funny reel that makes fun of Americans “training” for walking in Europe. But it’s true! You really should!
If you’re traveling with a baby, bring a lie flat stroller, blanket and stroller clips to block distractions so they can sleep anywhere! bring a lightweight, cool carrier. If you can tough out carrying a travel stroller on some stairs, bring a lightweight, all-terrain stroller for a smoother ride. Although we did get away with our cheaper Summer Infant stroller on several trips around Italy and the rest of the Europe.
Leave the Big Cities
My final tip of my eleven tips for traveling in Italy…
Venture away from the big cities!!!
Rome and Florence are “a must” on a first trip to Italy, hands down. But if you have time, venture further out. I studied abroad in Perugia years ago, and loved that time away from the tourist spots, feeling more like a local (or wannabe).
Ride a bike or Vespa and wine taste through Tuscany. Wander tiny streets in Como. Lay on a beach in the Amalfi Coast (albeit rocky!). Find a remote village and people watch eating a gelato.
An even less popular one than Venice and Cinque Terra – the Dolomites! The Dolomites are my favorite region in Italy. It has all the yummy food and fun culture of Italy, with loads of adventure mixed in. You can’t beat these views:
If you want more insider tips and need help planning your next trip to Italy, contact me. I’d love to help. Europe is my thing! But first, read more in my Guide to Rome and Adventures with Kids in the Dolomites.
