Italy is one of the most popular European vacation destinations and being aware of some of the Italian customs can truly enhance your experience in this wonderful country.
There are many guidebooks and travel shows which highlight some of the main points that are important for travelers to know, when going to Italy. For the first-time visitor, especially, becoming familiar with these can be the difference between an average vacation and an awesome travel experience! Three examples of current guidebooks that include travel tips for visiting Italy are Fodor’s Italy 2010, Rick Steves’ 2010 Italy, and Frommer’s 2010 Italy.
Here are some travel tips to make your trip to Italy the best it can be.
Learn a few words and phrases in Italian. Although many Italians have been taught English, most do not speak English often enough to be fluent. The Italians will appreciate your efforts to attempt to communicate, and go out of their way to be helpful.
It is true that most churches do not allow very casual clothes such as tank tops and shorts. Italians believe that anyone entering a church does so with respect, and this is true particularly at large churches. At St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, there are signs as well as security personnel who will prevent you from entering without proper dress.
Know what days certain places are closed. For example, there are many attractions and museums in Rome that close on Mondays. This is helpful when planning an itinerary.
Italians do not drink cappuccino after 11 am; however, in most tourist locations, you can usually order cappuccino throughout the day. In smaller towns, this may not happen. In addition, Italians typically drink espresso, called caffe, and they drink it while standing in the bar before going to work. The tourists usually sit at the tables and the cost is higher for sitting down. If espresso is too strong, you can order caffe Americano, which is an espresso made with more water.
When ordering coffee or gelato, you typically pay first and then take the receipt to the bartender. This prevents anyone from ordering and leaving without paying.
Italians do not put ice in their drinks. If you order ice for your drinks, expect a small saucer with a few ice cubes for you and anyone else at the table. The same goes for ordering ice in Italian hotels. The bartender at the hotel bar will give you the ice in a saucer.
When ordering water at a restaurant, your choices are bottled water, with gas or without. This means spring water or sparkling water. Tap water is not an option.
Purchase museum tickets in advance when possible. The main attractions such as the Vatican, The Uffizi Museum in Florence, St Mark’s Basilica in Venice, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and many more can have long lines, and the smart traveler can avoid these by ordering tickets online for specific dates and times. It is important to keep in mind that dates are in this order: day-month-year.
As in any big city, such as New York and London, pickpockets are, particularly in Rome, and they can be a problem in Naples and Venice as well. They typically create a distraction and frequently play musical instruments, using children. Awareness is key and keeping money and passports in a money belt can help you avoid these problems.
In public restrooms, toilet paper is frequently nonexistent, so keeping extra Kleenex in your bag is essential. Hotels do not usually provide washcloths, so remember to pack one.
You will not see butter on the table nor separate plates for bread. Salad dressing is olive oil and vinegar; there are no other choices. You are, after all, in Italy.
Taxicabs usually wait at a taxi stand in a line near a main attraction. Italians do not flag down taxis.
The earliest seating time for dinner is 7pm, and usually the restaurants do not get busy until much later. Since food is so important to their culture and lifestyle, Italians tend to linger over their meals for long periods. The waiter will not bring your check until your ask for it, as they consider it rude until you show signs that you are ready to leave.
It is difficult to find a public pay phone, as Italians use cell phones almost exclusively. For a short visit, use your US cell phone and purchase a calling card. For a longer vacation, consider buying a prepaid SIM card to use in your unlocked US phone. When using an Italian cell phone, all incoming calls are free.
There is much more to discover about Italy, and after your trip there, you will no doubt be able to share your own experiences with other travelers. Enjoy your experience in Bellissima Italia!
http://www.italyinsf.com
http://www.lifeinitaly.com/food/coffee.asp
