Yes, it has been a while since I shared any “new” tips. The truth is, not much has changed, but I thought it would be a good time to offer some friendly reminders!
With spring approaching, if you’re planning (or considering planning) your 2024 vacation to Italy, now is definitely the time to solidify those plans! In fact, it’s almost getting a bit late for spring/summer, so I would suggest beginning to think about fall or winter!
As I have mentioned frequently, there is NO OFF SEASON anymore! I emphasize the fact that there is NO “OFF SEASON” – the reality is that we experience SUPER HIGH seasons (very busy with higher prices from Easter to October) and HIGH seasons (less crowded with lower prices). The days of LOW or OFF seasons, and even spontaneity, are behind us (at least for the foreseeable future).
We in Italy are preparing for another overwhelming year of tourism. In fact, the level of tourism is matching pre-COVID figures and is expected to surpass any previous years. Now, don’t get me wrong, we welcome your visits! However, we want you to be ready to ensure you have that spectacular “dolce vita experience” that you’ve always wanted!
It is essential that you engage in thorough pre-travel planning and preparation. I am continually amazed at how many travelers rely on social media for information and recommendations. Why would you take advice from unfamiliar sources when there are experienced professionals available? (Yes, like me.) Naturally, expertise comes at a cost – isn’t that why you choose to consult with your doctor, CPA, or attorney? The saying “you get what you pay for” still stands!
Honestly, I still find it surprising that so many travelers arrive with little understanding of “how things work” here and are often taken aback or confused when it does not resemble their home or usual experiences. It is no secret that it just takes a little bit of effort and initiative to learn about your destination (from experts, please, not just hearsay!) My book is an excellent resource 🙂.
Many online sources make promises, but the reality is, the beautiful social media images and marketing hype do not always convey the true circumstance…or they fail to prepare you for potential “just in case” situations… That’s where your “boots on the ground in the boot” and my travel partners come in to assist you!
Below are references and links to some of my previous tips/posts, along with a few more friendly reminders…
⇒ Avoid over-scheduling yourself: A common pitfall is attempting too much and underestimating the time needed for everything. I often advise clients on this topic… You simply cannot do it all – prioritize and enjoy what you do. By allowing for some flexibility, you enable spontaneity and if something goes awry, it won’t ruin your day or experience. Travel is travel, and “stuff” happens.
⇒ Expectations vs. Reality: Those beautiful glossy photos on social media showcasing perfect weather, picturesque landscapes, and joyful gatherings over an aperitivo are merely moments in time. Yes, those moments are possible, but you should also anticipate challenges like changing trains, realizing you overpacked, dealing with unpredictable weather, or navigating through crowds. This is the reality of travel!
(Alongside this, expectations should be tempered regarding how things once were “the last time you were here.” If that visit was years ago, the past is just that, and walking directly into the Uffizi ten years ago without a reservation is a fortunate memory, not a current privilege.)
⇒ Italy remains a top destination worldwide. This means there is still a very high demand, and the most renowned destinations, museums, and restaurants will require advance bookings and will likely be crowded.
What to do? Book early, avoid weekends, opt for the earliest or late afternoon/evening entries, and consider booking with a reputable tour guide who can help you “skip the line” and expertly guide you through the highlights. I can provide excellent referrals!
⇒ Go LOCAL! The “best” and most authentic experiences are not always found on those “Top 10” lists! In fact, those tend to be overcrowded and often overrated. Be open to exploring side streets and discovering hidden gems. Connect with local experts who live here and can provide first-hand (and timely!) suggestions. Their recommendations are invaluable – and please remember to respect that this is how they earn their livelihood. (Need recommendations? Contact me!)
⇒ Beware of the Triple “S”: “Stairs, Smoking, Strikes” ⇐
All are constants here in Italy…
♦ Stairs: Expect many stairs and few elevators – “ascensore” – that includes accommodations, train stations, museums, and just getting around the cities. Be ready for this, and when I say many, I mean “A LOT”!
(Additionally, be prepared for uneven sidewalks and narrow passages, and remember, when it says “hill town”…it means there are hills!)
♦ Smoking: Although smoking indoors is prohibited in Italy, many Italians (and Europeans) continue to smoke. It’s common to see employees and shop owners taking their smoke breaks outside. If you choose to sit on the patio of an outdoor café, you’ll likely encounter ashtrays and smokers nearby.
♦ Strikes: “Sciopero”! This is one Italian word you want to avoid hearing too often. It is well known that transportation strikes (air, rail, taxi, etc.) occur frequently in Italy. These strikes may also happen in other countries (e.g., Great Britain, Germany, France), leading to interruptions to your plans.
Typically, these strikes are announced ahead of time, although they can occur unexpectedly (for example, on a Monday), so stay informed. Allow for some flexibility in your schedule (especially arrivals and departures) and know your alternative options.
For reliable updates, refer to The Local Italy, and stay in touch with your airline(s) and accommodations.
You’ll find references and links to some of my previous tips/posts below, along with a few more friendly reminders…
⇒ Avoid over-scheduling yourself: This is a frequent mistake – attempting to do too much while underestimating the time required for everything. I find myself advising clients on this issue constantly… You cannot experience everything – prioritize and enjoy what you can! Creating “wiggle room” in your schedule allows for spontaneity and ensures that if something does not go as planned, it won’t ruin your day.
⇒ Expectations vs. Reality: Those glossy pictures on social media illustrating perfect weather, picturesque scenery, and gatherings over aperitifs are just moments. While you can certainly experience those moments, you must also be prepared for reality: missed trains, overpacking, unpredictable weather, and crowds… that is the travel experience!
(You should also refrain from assuming it will be just like
⇒ Italy remains a top travel destination. This means demand is high and the most popular destinations, museums, and restaurants will be booked in advance and likely crowded.
What can you do? Book early, avoid weekends, schedule early or late entries, and consider using a reputable tour company that can help you skip the line and navigate through the highlights efficiently. (I can provide excellent referrals!)
⇒ Go LOCAL! The most authentic experiences may not be found on popular “Top 10” lists! Often, those places are overcrowded and can be overrated. Be open to exploring away from the main tourist spots to discover hidden treasures. Seek recommendations from local experts who can provide timely suggestions. Remember, this is their livelihood, and their recommendations should be valued. (Need recommendations? Contact me!)
⇒ Be mindful of the Triple “S”: “Stairs, Smoking, Strikes” ⇐
These will be part of your experience in Italy…
♦ Stairs: Prepare for many stairs and few elevators – “ascensore” – this includes in accommodations, train stations, museums, and while navigating the cities… Be ready, and when I say many, I mean “A LOT”!
(Expect uneven sidewalks and pathways, and bear in mind that when a location is described as a “hill town,” it indeed involves considerable hills!)
♦ Smoking: While smoking indoors is not permitted in Italy, many Italians (and Europeans) still smoke. It is common to see workers and shop owners enjoying a smoke break outside. If you choose to sit on an outdoor café’s patio, ashtrays and smokers will likely be nearby.
♦ Strikes: “Sciopero!” This is one Italian term you’ll want to familiarize yourself with. Transportation strikes (air, rail, taxi, etc.) are a recognized occurrence in Italy and may also happen in other countries (e.g., Great Britain, Germany, France), leading to potential interruptions.
Typically, strikes are announced in advance, although they may occur unexpectedly (such as on a Monday), so stay informed. It’s advisable to allow for some flexibility in your schedule (especially regarding arrivals and departures) and know your options.
For reliable updates, you can consult The Local Italy and maintain communication with your airline(s) and accommodations.
Below you will find references and links to some of my previous TipZ/Posts and a few more “friendly reminders”…
⇒ Avoid over-scheduling yourself: A common mistake is trying to fit too much into your itinerary, often underestimating how long everything will take. I frequently advise clients not to overdo it… You can’t experience everything – prioritize and savor what you do. Incorporating some flexibility allows for spontaneity and ensures that if challenges arise, it won’t detract from your day. Travel is unpredictable; things can and will happen.
⇒ Expectations vs. Reality: Those beautiful images on social media displaying perfect conditions, breathtaking views, and delightful gatherings over aperitifs are just snapshots of a moment. Yes, those experiences can happen, but there will also be delays, overpacking issues, unexpected weather changes, and crowds… that’s the reality of travel!
(Also, don’t expect things to be the same as “the last time you visited”, especially if that visit was many years ago. The good old days are gone, and if you could walk into the Uffizi ten years ago without a reservation, consider it a lucky memory!)
⇒ Italy continues to be a top destination globally. This means a high demand for the most recognized destinations, museums, sites, and even eateries that will indeed require prior booking and may also be overcrowded.
What’s the plan? Book in advance, try to avoid weekends, choose early morning or late afternoon/evening slots, and please consider booking a reputable tour guide or company that will help you navigate efficiently and skip the queues. (I can provide you with great referrals!)
⇒ Go LOCAL! The “best” and most genuine experiences might not be found in the usual “Top 10” lists! In fact, those spots too often tend to be crowded and overhyped. Be willing to explore those lesser-known routes, discovering hidden gems along the way. Reach out and connect with local experts who live in the area and can give genuinely timely recommendations. Their advice is invaluable – and don’t forget that this is how they make their living.(In need of recommendations? Contact me!)
⇒ Watch for the Triple “S”: “Stairs, Smoking, Strikes” ⇐
These are all part of the travel experience in Italy…
♦ Stairs: Expect a significant number of stairs and minimal elevators – “ascensore” – throughout hotels, train stations, museums, and urban exploration. Be prepared for this and when I mention stairs, I truly mean “A LOT!”
(Also, be ready for uneven sidewalks and pathways. And if it says “hill town,” understand that it indeed means hills!)
♦ Smoking: While Italy has banned indoor smoking, many Italians (and Europeans) still smoke. Shop owners and employees can frequently be seen taking smoke breaks outside. And if you enjoy sitting on the patio of an outdoor café, expect ashtrays and smokers to be around.
♦ Strikes: “Sciopero!” This is one term you wish to be mindful of. Transportation strikes (air, rail, taxi, etc.) are well-known in Italy, but they also occur in other countries (like Great Britain, Germany, and France) which means that travel interruptions can happen too.
Generally, these strikes are announced beforehand but the word may still trigger anxiety if they occur within the same week you’re traveling, so stay informed. It’s a good idea to remain flexible with your schedule (especially for your arrival or departure) and be aware of your alternatives.
For regular updates, consult The Local Italy and maintain an open line with your airlines and accommodations.
Below you’ll find references and links to some of my past tips/posts and a few friendly reminders…
⇒ Avoid over-scheduling yourself: This is a common error – attempting to do too much while underestimating how long it will take. I frequently need to advise clients on this… You simply can’t experience everything – decide what’s most important and enjoy it! Allowing some leeway in your plans will foster spontaneity and protect against letting any glitches spoil your day. Travel is unpredictable; things do happen!
⇒ Expectations vs. Reality: Those glossy, enticing photos on social media showing perfect scenarios, stunning backdrops, and people celebrating over an aperitivo represent just moments. Yes, those can happen too, but there will also be delays, a realization of overpacking, erratic weather, and busy attractions… This is what travel really entails!
(In addition, expectations should not be anchored to past experiences “from the last time you visited.” If that visit was many years ago, that time is gone, and if you were able to go straight into the Uffizi ten years ago without reservations, count yourself lucky – it’s a cherished memory now!)
⇒ Italy remains a premier travel destination. High demand still exists, meaning distribution at prominent locations, museums, and restaurants will probably require reservations and be crowded.
So what’s the game plan? Reserve early, try to stay clear of weekends, choose entry times that are either very early or later in the day, and consider reliable guided tours that will help facilitate easy access and a smooth experience through the highlights. (I can provide reliable references!)
⇒ Go LOCAL! The finest and most authentic experiences aren’t always visible in those “Top 10” lists! In fact, those places are frequently packed and may be overrated. Be adventurous; explore lesser-known pathways and reveal local treasures. Look for insights from those who live in the area for authentic and timely advice. Their recommendations are precious – and please keep in mind, this is how they earn their livelihoods.(Looking for suggestions? Reach out to me!)
⇒ Take note of the Triple “S”: “Stairs, Smoking, Strikes” ⇐
They’re all a part of life here in Italy…
♦ Stairs: A substantial number of steps with few elevators – “ascensore” – is inevitable, whether in hotels, train stations, museums, or urban navigation. Brace yourself because when I say many, I mean “A LOT”!
(Additionally, prepare for uneven sidewalks and narrow passages. And when it mentions “hill town,” just know it refers to substantial elevations!)
♦ Smoking: Even though smoking indoors is banned in Italy, many Italians (and Europeans) continue to smoke. Staff members and shop owners can often be seen stepping outside for a smoke on their breaks. And at outdoor café spots, expect to see ashtrays and fellow smokers.
♦ Strikes: “Sciopero”! This is one Italian term you don’t want to see frequently. Strikes in transportation (air, rail, taxi, etc.) are a noted fact here in Italy, and they can also occur in other nations (e.g., Great Britain, Germany, France), resulting in potential interruptions to your plans.
Announcements about strikes typically come in advance, but they can occur unexpectedly (like on a Monday) for those traveling that week, what should you do? Stay informed. Aim for some flexibility in your timeline (for arrivals/departures) and know your alternatives.
Resources like The Local Italy offer trustworthy updates, but also keep in touch with your airline(s) and accommodations.
Below you’ll find references and links to some of my previous TipZ/Posts and some additional “friendly reminders…”
⇒ Avoid over-scheduling yourself: A common error includes trying to fit in too much yet underestimating how long everything will take. I often counsel clients about this… You cannot do it all – prioritize and enjoy what activities you can! Allowing for flexibility permits spontaneity, ensuring that if any unforeseen occurrences arise, they won’t spoil your entire day. Travel has its own dynamics, and “stuff” does happen!
⇒ Expectations vs. Reality: Those stunning glossy photos on social media depicting perfect conditions, scenic vistas, and cheerful people enjoying an aperitivo are merely snapshots of specific instances. Yes, those fantastic experiences can certainly happen, but there are also delays, packing difficulties, erratic weather, and crowds… That’s the authentic essence of travel!
(Additionally, one must not expect things to be identical to “the last time you traveled here”, especially if that prior visit was years ago. Those past moments should remain memories, and if at that time you could freely enter the Uffizi, cherish that memory, but know that it’s changed.)
⇒ Italy remains a highly sought-after destination worldwide. This indicates that there is still strong demand, resulting in the necessity for advance booking at the most popular destinations, museums, and restaurants, which will consequently be crowded.
What should you do? Book promptly, avoid weekends, schedule the earliest or latest possible slots, and consider utilizing reputable tour guides or companies that can facilitate easy entries and escort you through the main highlights. (I can offer valuable recommendations!)
⇒ Go LOCAL! The finest and most authentic experiences are not always featured on popular “Top 10” lists! In fact, those spots may be overcrowded and sometimes overvalued. Be receptive to exploring alternative streets and discovering local treasures. Seek local expertise, especially from those who live there and can provide timely suggestions. Their recommendations are invaluable, and remember, this is how they earn their living. (Need suggestions? Don’t hesitate to message me!)
⇒ Be aware of the Triple “S”: “Stairs, Smoking, Strikes” ⇐
These factors are constant in Italy…
♦ Stairs: You will encounter many stairs, with very few elevators – “ascensore” – in hotels, train stations, museums, and throughout the cities. Be prepared for a significant amount and when I say a lot, I mean “A LOT”!
(Also anticipate uneven visual infrastructure and note that if a destination indicates “hill town,” it genuinely signifies hills!)
♦ Smoking: Although smoking indoors is restricted in Italy, many Italians (and Europeans) are fond of smoking. Shop owners and employees tend to take a smoke break outside their establishments. When enjoying a meal outdoors, expect to find ashtrays and fellow patrons who smoke.
♦ Strikes: “Sciopero”! This is one word you prefer not to encounter excessively. Strikes affecting transportation (air, rail, taxi, etc.) are often observed in Italy, and they can also occur in other nations (e.g., Great Britain, Germany, France), leading to possible disruptions.
Typically, strikes are announced beforehand, but be prepared for potential occurrences even if they are scheduled for a Monday, impacting your travel week. Stay informed, allow room for flexibility in your schedule (especially for arrivals and departures), and be familiar with your options.
The Local Italy is a very reliable resource for updates, and remember to stay in contact with your airline(s) and accommodations as well.
