Italy has everything you can dream of for your next journey: history, culture, cuisine, nature, and art. From the ancient ruins of Rome to the Renaissance masterpieces of Florence, every corner of the country will mesmerize you like nothing else. Not to mention all the pasta and gelato you enjoy along the way. To make your experience even more memorable, take a look at these tips:
1. Explore the South and Off-Island
Most tourists only spend their time on the north side of the country, which is indeed the industrialized area for tourism. If only you make the time to explore southern Italy, you will find more pristine nature, daring historical sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum, and more heartwarming culture.
For a more ultimate Italian vacation, why don’t you go off islands? The small islands of the Mediterranean also offer unique experiences you can’t find on the mainland. It is also interesting to note that there are two other landlocked countries inside Italy: San Marino and the Vatican.
2. Check the Opening Times
Most attractions and restaurants have different days off, so you better check each object on your itinerary to avoid visiting closed places. Some places even close in several weeks. This mostly happens in August, which is the national holiday month. It is also advisable to have Plan B on your itinerary, just in case.
3. Be Ready for Friendly Physical Touches
Prepare yourself to let go of your personal space because this concept is not a thing there. Italians are very friendly, or maybe even too friendly sometimes. People will touch you all the time. It is the way they socialize. Hugging strangers or platonic cheek-kissing between two straight males is not weird by Italian standards. In crowded places, you will find people pushing each other.
4. Learn Some Italian, Including the Hand Gestures and Shouting
While many people may understand English, speaking a few words in Italy is an effective way to mingle with the locals. You might also notice how Italians use their hands to complement their verbal communication, so maybe try those as well. Another thing to remember about Italian communication is that people like shouting all the time. It is a normal thing for them, no disrespect intended.
5. Know Your Coffee Rules
Italy has a remarkable coffee culture. They have specific habits regarding their coffee. It is not expected for everybody to follow, but locals will instantly know you are a tourist if you drink your coffee differently. Here are some things to remember:
- The cappuccino is for breakfast only, no later than 11 am.
- Espresso is for express drinking, so finish it in less than 2 minutes. Some even do it while standing and then rush to somewhere else once finished.
- Don’t have your coffee with a meal, but drink it after.
- Don’t ask for a specific size. Each type of coffee has its portion decided by the coffee shop.
6. Cover Up in Religious Places
Most Italians are Catholics. Many are very religious, which means they still consider modest clothing necessary. People tend to let tourists wear what they want in touristy areas, but not in religious places. Wearing revealing clothes in church and other religious places will be considered disrespectful. The rule applies to all genders. Hence, men are not supposed to wear shorts.
Bonus Tips; Get An Italian Mobile Number from MySecondLine
Coordinating activities with your friends in Italy may require a lot of texting. It can drain your budget quickly, especially if you use SIM cards from your home country.
MySecondLine can be an excellent solution for this. With a registered account, you can generate an Italian mobile number. After verifying it with an ID, you can use your virtual number to text anyone in Italy at low rates.