Category: Italy

11 Things Tourists Should Never Do in Venice, Italy

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Venice Tips: 11 Don’ts for Visitors to Venice

Greetings from Venice, Italy! Venice receives about 20 million tourists each year, and there are many “must do’s” for anyone visiting Venice. However, there are also many “don’ts” for visitors to Venice, so that’s what we’re sharing here.

Venice Tip #1: Don’t Bring Heavy Luggage

In Venice, there aren’t taxis and buses to get from place to place; there are boats. Lugging heaving luggage in and out of these boats is really inconvenient, and they can sometimes charge extra for heavy bags.

Watch: How to Pack a Carryon Suitcase for Women

Venice Tip #2: Don’t Expect a Cheap Gondola Ride

Gondolas are the icon of Venice, and therefore very popular with tourists. A 30-minute gondola ride can cost 80 Euros, and if you want singing while you float, that will cost extra.

Venice Tip #3: Don’t Feed the Pigeons

It’s actually illegal to feed the pigeons in Venice, especially in places like the Piazza San Marco, and it’s possible to receive a fine for doing so.

Venice Tip #4: Don’t Be Surprised To See Risers in the Streets

At certain times of the year, the water levels are high enough to flood the streets. In that case, they will put risers in for pedestrians to stay above the water. This is less of an issue in the summer, but if you visit in other seasons, you might see it.

Venice Tip #5: Don’t Forget a Map, and Don’t Freak Out if You Get Lost

Getting lost in Venice is practically a rite of passage for tourists. A map is helpful, but either way, most tourists get lost at least once. The people in Venice are generally very helpful, so getting lost isn’t a big deal, as a locals are often willing to point you back in the right direction.

Watch: Ten Italian Phrases You Need to Know

Venice Tip #6: Don’t Get in the Water

This may seem obvious, but this happens often enough that it’s worth mentioning. The areas around the water can be super slippery, so even if you don’t plan to go in the water, you need to exercise caution around the water.

Venice Tip #7: Don’t Wear Skimpy Clothes to visit Churches

For anyone planning to visit any of Venice’s churches and cathedrals, skimpy clothes are a “don’t.” The churches won’t allow anyone in who isn’t modestly dressed.

Read: Five Rules for What Shoes to Wear in Europe

Venice Tip #8: Don’t Use Public Toilets

It costs 2 Euros to use public toilets in Venice. Rather than spend that money, it’s better to buy a spritz or coffee to use the bar or cafe toilets.

Venice Tip #9: Don’t Be Upset By Separate Lines for Tourists & Locals

This is especially common during busy season, and you may even see different prices for locals vs tourists. Venice is a fairly small town of 50,000 people that receives 20 million tourists. The locals have to be able to commute to work and continue their daily lives without dodging tourists all day long.

Venice Tip #10: Don’t Forget to Ask How Much the Drinks Cost

At some of the restaurants near tourist attractions, they’ll have a special “tourist menu.” The price of the meal may be a great value, but ordering drinks can add another 4 Euros to the bill. The little add-ons to this special price may end up not being such a bargain after all, so be sure to ask about drink costs.

Watch: Do You Tip in Italy?

Venice Tip #11: Don’t Forget to Explore Other Parts & Islands of Venice

Venice itself has many islands to explore, and then you can also visit Burano, Murano, Pellestrina and many more, whether you want more culture, or to visit some beaches. While there are many things to do in Venice, it’s always great to take a day trip out of the city to explore surrounding areas.

These are just a few travel tips for first time travelers to Venice. For more Italy travel tips, check out these blog posts and videos:

10 Things That SHOCK Tourists When They Visit Italy

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Eleven Shocks of Italian Culture

Ciao from Rome! Today we’re sharing ten things that are going to shock you about visiting Italy. With these Italy travel tips, hopefully you’ll be prepared for these cultural differences and less shocked!

Italian Culture Shock #1: There are No Spaghetti & Meatballs

This comes as shock to many Americans, but spaghetti and meatballs aren’t served together in Italy. Of course, you can order spaghetti, and they do serve meatballs, but they aren’t eaten together. To that point, Italian food is more than great pasta. There are amazing cheese and delicious meats in Italy as well. Every region has their own specialty, so be sure to sample them all!

Italian Culture Shock #2: The Italians are Loud!

Many people are shocked when visiting Italy at how loud the Italians are. It’s also shocking how much they can communicate even when you don’t speak Italian. It almost seems like the farther south you travel, the louder they speak. Don’t be alarmed, loud talking doesn’t mean they are angry, just passionate.

Italian Culture Shock #3: Italian Concept of Time

Italians have a different concept of time. If you are going to meet someone at 9:30, they’ll probably arrive around 10:00. Italians are not late, they just show up when they show up. (Trains and buses are an exception, though. These leave on time so don’t be late!) So, think of it as a more relaxed approach to punctuality.

Italian Culture Shock #4: Shop Hours

Many stores in Italy close for a couple of hours in the middle of the day. Similar to the Spanish siesta, but it doesn’t always apply to big cities and chain stores. However, if you’re planning to pop back into that boutique you like, you may have to do it in the morning or late afternoon/early evening. Banks often close early as well, so get your money out in the morning.

Italian Culture Shock #5: Tourist Crowds from Around the World

Italian cities and regions are very popular with tourists from around the world. Tourist hordes reach a new level in Italy, especially when it comes to the lines to get into major attractions like the Coliseum or the Vatican Museum. The best thing you can do is book everything in advance so you can skip the ticket lines.

Italian Culture Shock #6: Different Dishes Served at Different Times

Eating out in Italy can be time consuming. In the US, most entrees will be served to a group at the same time. In Italy, they have many courses, and they are all served consecutively. The first plate (Primi) is pasta, and the second plate (secondo) is the meat course. If you order pasta and your dining partner orders meat, they will come out at different times. The more tourist-oriented restaurants will know to send it all at the same time, but you can always just ask your server to do this. When you are done eating, you also need to specifically ask for your bill. They won’t just bring it to the table, even when you are obviously finished eating, as Italians like to linger after a meal.

Italian Culture Shock #7: The Nonas

The Nonas, or Grandmas, in Italy are super attentive and caring, which can be shocking to a tourist. Nonas will drag your kids into a store to show them something, or tell a wife her husband is too skinny and that she needs to feed him more. They will look out for you and are good to have around, it just takes some getting used to.

Italian Culture Shock #8: Friendly Italians          

You might be shocked at how friendly the Italians are. Especially if you speak a little bit of Italian. Whether you speak the same language or not, they are very welcoming and helpful. After a few visits, it’s not hard to get to know your local restaurant owners or servers. They will soon be treating you like family. Italians aren’t just loud and crazy. They are loud, crazy and super wonderful.

Italian Culture Shock #9: Difference Between North and South

Northern Italy and Southern Italy are very different. Northern Italy is more industrial, with more museums and snow. The South has more farmland, fewer museums, and is generally a poorer region, but the people are more friendly. There can be heated debates between regions about politics or sports, too. Remember, Italy is only about 150 years old, and it an assembly of several old kingdoms, so there are many diverse cultures and cuisines to be found within Italy.

Italian Culture Shock #10: Calcio (Football) Fans

Calcio (Football, or soccer as the U.S. calls it) is practically a religion in Italy. The three religions of Italy are fashion, soccer and Catholicism and they’re all in the news practically every day. If you want to attend a match while in Italy, I don’t recommend going to the derby games as they can get pretty boisterous or even dangerous. Fights break out, people are throwing things (even cups of urine!) and you can expect some serious police pat-downs.

Italian Culture Shock #11: Driving & Crossing Roads

Driving in Italy, and crossing the roads, can be a shocking experience. Its amazing how pedestrians weave in and out of traffic. The best advice is to follow the Italians, make eye contact with the drivers so they know you are going to cross, and only cross in the crosswalks. If you get hit by a car and you are not in the crosswalk, you will have to pay for the damages on their car.

For more Italy travel tips, check out some of our other videos and blog posts:

6 Things Tourists Should NOT Do When They Visit Rome

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Visit Rome: The Don’ts of Traveling to Italy

Greetings from Rome, Italy! This is one of my favorite cities in the world, so I’m excited to share some Rome travel tips, with these six “don’ts” for visiting Rome. There are many things travelers should do when in Rome, but there are also a few things travelers should not do.

Rome Travel Tip #1: Don’t Forget to Pre-Book Attraction Tickets

 

For travelers wanting to visit the most popular attractions in Rome, like the Vatican or the Coliseum, it’s critical to book tickets online ahead of time. Lines to get into these places can be extremely long, extending over an hour to get in. The best option is to book a tour that offers early access before the attraction opens to the public, or at the very least, a tour that whisks you through the entry point.

 

Rome Travel Tip #2: Don’t Forget Comfortable Walking Shoes

 

Rome is a very compact city, and visitors can walk from site to site, but inevitably a visit to Rome will include a lot of walking. Rome has many cobblestone streets and uneven pavement, which eventually cause your feet to get very tired. A good pair of comfortable walking shoes is a lifesaver in Rome. Even with good shoes, feet will get tired, so give them an advantage with the most comfortable shoes you can find.

 

Read: Five Rules for What Shoes to Wear in Europe

Rome Travel Tip #3: Don’t Forget About Pickpockets

 

Another way to say this is, don’t take your hands off your wallet when in major tourist sights, or on the Metro. There are many pickpockets and unsavory characters that prey on the tourists that visit Rome. In crowded areas, it’s not uncommon to be bumped into, and sometimes those bumps are not accidental, but occur from a pickpocket taking advantage of the large crowds. This is especially true on the Metro at major stops like the Coliseum, when the crowds provide cover for pickpockets to pick a pocket and then blend into the crowd. Bag slashing is another way that tourists can be robbed, and special travel bags with metal wiring inside are made specifically for this purpose.

 

Read: How Pickpockets Rob You

 

Rome Travel Tip #4: Don’t Eat Near Major Tourist Sights

 

For the most authentic Italian cuisine, tourists should not eat at the tourist menus. The restaurants immediately surrounding the super touristy sights, like Trevi Fountain or the Vatican, have overpriced and underflavored food. Locals do not eat at these places, so travelers shouldn’t either. Just a three or four block walk will offer many more authentic dishes and the quality will be much better, usually at a better price, too. Travelers will find the best gelato and pasta if they venture off the beaten path, just a bit.

 

Rome Travel Tip #5: Don’t Forget to Throw a Coin Into Trevi Fountain

 

Visitors to Rome should not forget to toss a coin over their shoulder into the Trevi Fountain. Legend has it that a coin tossed into Trevi Fountain assured a repeat visit to Rome, which is a good thing! Whether you come for a week or a month, there are so many things to do in Rome, from the Vatican, the Coliseums, the Forums, and the neighborhoods, you’ll need a second (and third!) visit to Rome.

 

Rome Travel Tip #6: Don’t Miss the Chance to Speak With Locals

 

Often when traveling, big cities aren’t the best place to find friendly locals to interact with. Here in Rome, that’s not true. The Romans are super friendly, travelers who speak just a little bit of Italian will be overwhelmed by Roman hospitality. Just a few Italian phrases like please and thank you can make a huge difference.

 

Watch: Survival Italian: Basic Italian Phrases for Travelers

 

Hopefully these Rome travel tips get you started on planning an amazing vacation in Rome! If you want to learn more, check out some of our other Italy travel articles:

 

12 Things Tourists Should NOT Do When They Visit Italy

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The DON’TS of Visiting Italy

Ciao from Vincenza, Italy! Italy is an amazing place with fabulous people, and there are many things that travelers should do in Italy. There are also things that tourists should NOT do in Italy. To help travelers prepare for an Italian vacation, we’re sharing twelve “don’ts” of Italy.

Italy Travel Tip #1. Don’t Expect Cheap Luxury

 

Visitors to Italy should not expect to buy luxury Italian goods like Gucci and Armani at cheap prices. Luxury designers tend to have standardized pricing, so regardless of whether you buy a Gucci bag in Rome or Las Vegas, there won’t be much of a price difference.

 

Italy Travel Tip #2. Don’t Eat Near Major Tourist Sites

 

This may seem obvious, but it’s easy to end up at a tourist restaurant with a tourist menu. These places are concentrated near the major tourist attractions, and provide a less authentic Italian dining experience. Travelers are better off going where the locals go, and it’s easy to do by wandering just a few blocks off the main tourist path. It’s easier to find authentic food by eating with the locals, and these places tend to be nicer for families as well.

Read: How to Eat Cheap Like the Locals When You Travel

 

Italy Travel Tip #3. You Don’t Have to Tip in Italy

 

Service is usually included in a service charge on the restaurant bill, or there is sometimes a cover charge, or coperta. The coperta may be a few Euros, and covers the bread and place settings. If the service is extra special, they will gladly accept a tip, but it’s certainly not expected.

 

Italy Travel Tip #4. Don’t Speak Louder To Be Understood

 

Speaking English at a higher volume will not help the Italians understand English any better. English isn’t necessarily widely spoken in Italy, so travelers should learn a few key words of Italian before arriving. Knowing some Italian words like Hello, Thank You, and You’re Welcome will really open up the Italian people.

Italy Travel Tip #5. Don’t Worry About Overdressing

 

Italians love to dress up, even the children, so visitors to Italy should plan to dress up as well and there is very little chance of being overdressed. Some places in Italy, especially those of religious importance will not allow certain styles of clothing in, so a modest, upscale wardrobe is a good idea for your Italy vacation.

Read: 7 Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Vacation

 

Italy Travel Tip #6. Don’t Just See Rome, Florence, and Venice

 

There are so many cute towns and villages throughout Italy, and many tourists miss out by only visiting the tourist meccas of Rome, Florence and Venice. Venice receives 20 million tourists per year, with a population of only 50,000. In smaller towns like Vicenza, Lucca and Bassano di Grappa, it’s easier to meet locals and experience authentic Italian culture.

 

Italy Travel Tip #7. You Don’t Share Your Pizza

 

This will surprise many Americans, but in Italy, pizza is not for sharing. Pizzas are served individually, and are not eaten by hand, but using a fork and knife. No more compromising on your favorite pizza flavor; have it all to yourself!

Italy Travel Tip #8. Don’t Take the Fast Train for Short Distances & Don’t Be Late for the Fast Train

 

For travelers only going a short distance, taking the fancy train, or the freccia, is very expensive. For short trips, it’s not worth the added cost, but for a longer trip, the freccia can be worth it. Also, the freccia’s are usually right on time, unlike other trains in Italy, so it’s important not to miss it by being late!

 

Italy Travel Tip #9. Don’t Order Spaghetti & Meatballs

 

Travelers will find spaghetti in Italy, and meatballs in Italy, but they are not served together. Italian meals consist of primi piatti and secondi piatti, which are first and second courses. The first plate is pasta and the second plate is typically the meat course. For travelers wanting that spaghetti and meatballs flavor, spaghetti bolognese is similar. The restaurants in Italy serving spaghetti and meatballs do so for the tourists; it’s not necessarily authentic Italian food.

Read: How to Keep Your Kids Quiet on a Plane 

 

Italy Travel Tip #10. Don’t Expect a Big Breakfast

 

Breakfast in Italy is usually an espresso and some toast. Italians don’t eat a big breakfast, so this leaves some tourists hungry. Many hotels, however, will serve an American breakfast which is more filling.

 

Italy Travel Tip #11. Don’t Expect a Lot of Space

 

Italy is very compact. Seats and luggage racks are smaller, hotel rooms are smaller, as well as restaurants. Packing light and traveling light will make this much easier than trying to make room for large luggage.

 

Italy Travel Tip #12. Don’t Expect Dinner Between 3:00 and 7:00 p.m.

 

After 3:00, Italian restaurants close down until dinner time, which is usually around 7:00 or 8:00. Travelers from the U.S. may find this shift difficult, especially when traveling with children. It’s still possible to find fast food or pizza to go, but travelers seeking a nice, Italian meal will have to wait until later in the evening for restaurants to re-open.

 

If you enjoyed these Italy travel tips, check out some of our other blog posts as you begin to plan your Italian vacation!

 

 

10 Things That Are NOT Overrated About Visiting Europe

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Ten Things That Are Not Overrated About Europe

Greetings from the Coliseum in Rome, Italy! Today I’m sharing with you ten things that are not overrated about visiting Europe. We have two videos on things that are overrated in Europe, but there are some things that are spot on when it comes to visiting Europe.

#1 Long Lines At Major European Landmarks

 

The long lines you’ve heard about at the best European landmarks are not overrated! We’re here in January, and there’s a very long line to get into the coliseum. The lines at the Vatican Museum are equally long. In winter! If you come in summer, the lines are really crazy long, up to two kilometers long in some places. If there’s a museum in Europe that you really want to visit, check to see if they have online reservations that will allow you to bypass the long lines. For attractions like the Louvre or Vatican Museum, you can book tours online. I can’t recommend this enough, especially in summer. In the offseason, you might get into the Louvre in five minutes, while high season can be as long as two hours to get in to any of the most popular European landmarks.

 

#2 Some of the Countries With the Best Food Are in Europe

 

French and Italian food are not overrated. Both cuisines are amazing. In France, you’ll love the bread and the cheese, but there is much more. You’ll have duck, frog legs and escargot. In Italy, it’s not just pasta and pizza. They have amazing meets and cheeses, and fantastic wines. Even if you go to places that aren’t known for their cuisine, like Sweden or Finland or England, you’ll still find dishes that are really good. When you are traveling, make sure you eat local. Don’t just go to McDonald’s or the local kebab place, but make sure you’re eating where the locals do. Europe really does have some of the countries with the best food, including France, Italy and Greece.

 

#3 European Low-Cost Airlines

 

The low cost European airlines really do have great deals! EasyJet and RyanAir have ridiculously cheap fares around Europe. I can fly from Rome to Berlin for 35 Euros. These fares are more easily found if you book a few months in advance. If you wait until the last minute, it will be more expensive. So, the idea that you have to take EuroRail or InterRail isn’t the case any more as it can be just as cheap to fly now. You can find the cheapest flight to the U.S. and then catch low-cost carriers to go elsewhere in Europe. Sometimes, this can actually be cheaper than some of the train tickets. The best thing about these low-cost carriers is they have made it affordable to see all of Europe.

 

#4 The Top European Landmarks are Well Worth Visiting

 

There’s a reason the lines are so long at places like the Coliseum and the Vatican. It’s because they really are fantastic, and you will not regret visiting the Louvre in Paris, the Prado in Madrid or the Pergamon in Berlin. When your guidebooks mention the top European landmarks, they are well worth going to. Some of the secondary sights, like Madame Tussaud’s, may not be worth the hype, or may be overpriced.

 

#5 European Beer

 

Let’s be honest. If you’re having over some friends you want to impress; do you buy an American beer or a German beer? Germany, Czech Republic and Belgium have tons of local brewers and a history of brewing. Germany even had a beer purification law for hundreds of years because their beer is so good. If you find yourself in any of these countries, make sure you try the local beer: it’s not overrated! When you come back home, the beer just won’t taste the same as European beer fresh from the brewer.

 

#6 The Expensive Countries Really Are Expensive

 

England, Switzerland and Scandinavia are much more expensive than other European countries. For what you would spend on one week in Switzerland, you could spend two weeks in Portugal or Spain. So, if you are planning to visit any of these expensive countries, plan to spend significantly more on food, lodging and transportation than you would if you went to Italy, Spain or Portugal.

#7 Fashion Trend Setting in Cities Like Paris & Milan

 

When you visit Milan and Paris, you will notice that everyone around you (minus the tourists) is impeccably dressed in the latest fashion. Milan and Paris are on the cutting edge of fashion, so you’re likely to see new styles that won’t pop up elsewhere for six months or a year. There is a very different sense of style in Europe than in the U.S. If you want to blend in a little bit, you might want to do some research on fashion in Europe. Your white tennis shoes, white socks and baseball caps will mark you as a tourist, and possibly a pickpocket target, right away.

 

#8 Pickpockets & Beggars in Europe

 

There are a lot of pickpockets and beggars in Europe. Yes, we have them in the U.S. as well, but you’ll see many more in Europe, especially at the major sights. At the Coliseum, or in Barcelona, you really have to pay attention for pickpockets. Keep your valuables safe when visiting these popular sights around Europe. There are also many beggars, and some of them are children, which can be shocking the first time you see it. Do not give money to the beggars, as it’s usually part of a racket that you don’t want to help support.

 

Watch: 13 Ways Pickpockets Rob You!

 

#9 European Tour Groups Will Run You Over

 

The European tour groups are everywhere and they will run you over. If you see a tour group coming, get out of the way as they will not stop! Keep your kids close so they aren’t swept away in the crowd. I’ve been run over in Versailles, and my kids were pushed aside for a photo opp at the Vatican. It’s best to get way ahead of a European tour group, or just step aside and let them pass by.

 

#10 Summer Eurofunk on Public Transport

 

In the summer, you might experience the Eurofunk, or a peculiar smell, especially on public transportation. In Europe, people do bathe, but just like on Chicago’s CTA in the summer, be prepared for some funky smells in close quarters. All you can do is make sure you are clean and using deodorant so you’re not adding to the problem. After spending many summers in Europe, I can verify this is a real thing!

 

These are my top ten things that are not overrated about coming to Europe. Check out some of our other Europe videos:

11 Things to Know Before You Visit Italy

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Things Travelers Should Know Before Visiting Italy

 

Ciao from Venice, Italy! Standing at the Piazza San Marco in Venice, which is well worth visiting, as is all of Italy! Today we’re sharing something you should know before you come to Italy, so you’re better prepared for your Italy vacation.

Language in Italy

 

Just like in the U.S., everyone speaks the local language, which is Italian here. You should learn some basic Italian language before you visit Italy. However, in such a developed tourist country, lots of people also speak English. If you speak even a bit of Italian, the people are grateful and will really open up to you, so it’s worth it to learn a few key Italian phrases. Check out our video: Visit Italy: Ten Phrases You Need to Know

 

Currency in Italy

 

If you’re wondering what currency is used in Italy, it’s the Euro, just like most of Europe. The Euro comes in several bills (500, 200, 100, 50, 10, 5) and the coins here are actually valuable. The 2 Euro coin is worth more than $2, so keep track of them.

 

There are many exchange houses in Italy willing to change your money, but your best exchange rate will be with your debit card at an ATM. I highly recommend making sure you get a card with a chip, as you will find some places won’t take your card, or you won’t have access to ATM machines at night.

 

Eating in Italy

 

Italians love to eat and they love to enjoy the whole dining experience. Savoring Italian food in Italy is a must for any traveler! You should know there are no spaghetti and meatballs in Italy! There are different regional specialties all over Italy, such as bucatini in Rome, so be sure to seek out the regional highlights. Even the bread is different all over. Don’t just eat pasta – the meats, cheeses and wine in Italy is also delicious.

 

An Italian breakfast tends to be small, like an espresso and biscotti. Italians usually only have one big meal per day, typically at lunch or dinner. A typical Italian dinner will include two courses. When ordering your food, you’ll get a primi piatti, or first plate which is pasta . Then a secondi piatti, or second plate, which is the hearty dish, often consisting of meat. If you are in a group and ordering many dishes, this is how they will come out, so if someone is eating pasta, they may get their food first. If you want all of your food to come out at the same time, just ask them. In the tourist areas, they are used to this.

 

At the end of the meal, the server won’t automatically bring your check, you have to ask for it. Just say “il conto por favore” and they’ll bring your check. Otherwise, they’ll leave you to sit and enjoy the ambiance post-meal.

 

A typical Italian dinners starts very late, around 9 or 10 p.m. To get you through the long stretch from lunch to dinner, Italians also have aperitivi, which is an afternoon snack and a drink. It’s usually just a drink and some salty snacks, but it’s a really fun part of Italian culture to experience.

 

Tipping in Italy

 

In Italy, you don’t have to tip. If they do an excellent job, so you can always leave a tip if you’d like. However, if you want to do this, you’ll have to leave cash. The credit card slips are not even set up for you to write in a tip on the receipt. You’ll find the service in Italy is fantastic.

Shopping in Italy

 

You can get some great fashion in Italy, for slightly cheaper than the U.S. However, designer goods are still designer goods, so you’ll pay more for them than other brands, even if it is a small discount from the States.

 

You should know that stores in Italy often close for lunchtime, from 12-3, especially in smaller towns and cities. Sometimes the banks will also close mid-day and reopen again later. Just to be safe, do any banking in the morning. ATM’s are available 24 hours a day.

 

Taxis in Italy

 

Taxis in Italy get a bad rap for ripping off tourists or taking the long route, but they’re not so bad. They tend to be more expensive, though, so be prepared for that. Try to use public transportation in Italy, as it’s very affordable and easy to use. The freccia trains are the high-speed trains, which are a great way to get around the country quickly and easily.

 

Hotels in Italy

 

Rooms are small, with smaller beds. A double bed is just two single beds pushed together. If you are coming with kids, ask for a triple so you’ll have an extra bed.  The bathrooms are also going to be smaller than what you are used to in the States. Be prepared to go with the flow, and enjoy Italy without worrying about small accommodations. Many hotels will also include a small breakfast.

 

If you book through hotels.com or booking.com, hotels will often have a city tax. For example, in Rome, we had to pay 4 Euros per person, per night. That is not included it in your normal bill, and the hotels will usually prefer this in cash. When you check in, ask if there is a city tax, and how and when you will need to pay it so you’re aren’t caught by surprise on the morning of your checkout.

 

Electricity in Italy

 

In Italy, the electrical outlet is typically the same as the rest of Europe, with two round plugs. Sometimes, though, you’ll see a set of three plugs in Italy. These are the old fashioned ones, but you can still use the 2-round-plug option for these outlets. Your laptops, phones and cameras will have a voltage converter built in, so you only need an adapter to fit the plug.

 

Safety in Italy

 

In heavily touristed areas like Venice and Rome, pickpockets are frequent, especially on the Metro and in high tourist season. You need to keep your eyes open. People in Italy are generally friendly and helpful, but just pay attention.

 

Crossing the street in Italy can be dangerous. Make sure you obey the signals, and stay in the crosswalk. If you get hit by a car and you’re not in the crosswalk, you will be found at fault, not the driver. If there’s no light and you’re trying to cross, make eye contact with any drivers before crossing in front of the car.

 

Smoking cigarettes is the norm in Italy, it’s not taboo here. They can’t smoke inside, so if you prefer to avoid smoke while eating, be sure to request a table indoors. Outdoors, be prepared to experience second-hand smoke in a lot of places.

 

Getting Around in Italy

 

Plan to walk a lot in Italy, it’s not like the U.S. where you hop in a car to go everywhere. Make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes. Walk in them for a couple of weeks before your Italy trip to get them broken in, and also to get your muscles prepared for the amount of walking.

 

Toilets in Italy

 

In your hotel, you’ll have a normal toilet with no differences from what you are used to. However, if you’re out and about, especially driving through the countryside and stopping at gas stations, you might see a few squat toilets. They’re becoming less common, but don’t be surprised if you run into one. When you go to wash your hands and don’t see knobs for the sink faucets, look down. Some places will have a pedal by the floor that turns the water on.

 

Additional Resources for Planning a Trip to Italy

 

Check out some of our other videos about Italy:

10 Things That SHOCK Tourists about Italy

 

 

The DON’Ts of Visiting Italy

 

10 SHOCKS of Visiting Venice, Italy

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Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about Venice, one of my favorite cities in the world! Before we get into the real shocks, the first thing you’ll notice when you visit Venice is how absolutely beautiful it is. The architecture and the canals and bridges are really gorgeous.

We love to help travelers prepare for their vacations, and other than telling you the best things to see in Venice, we love to share the things that will surprise you about a new destination. So, today, we’re sharing the ten things that will shock you on your Venice Italy vacation.

#1 Venice Tourism

Your first shock on arriving in Venice is the number of tourists. There are 50,000 residents of Venice, and they receive nearly FORTY MILLION tourists each year. That is more than 100,000 per day. This means you might find some frustrated residents, and you may even become frustrated dealing with crowds in Venice. You may have lines to get into some Venice attractions, and it can be hard to get a table for lunch unless you go a few blocks off the main tourist area.

In 2019, Venice introduced a “day trip tax” to alleviate some of the overcrowding in town.

#2 Cost of a Gondola Ride

What is one of the most popular Venice attractions? Gondola rides on the canals. Given that nearly everyone who comes to Venice takes part in this tradition, it’s shocking how much one ride can cost. Plan to spend around 80 Euros for 30 minutes, and if you want them to sing, that will cost you extra! That rate is not per person, so try to find some other people to split the cost with you.

Venice tourism
Tons of tourists and worth every wrong turn.

#3 The Tourist Experience

With so many people who visit Venice each year, it can feel a bit touristy. A lot of the shops and restaurants are geared towards tourists and it doesn’t always feel like an “authentic” Italian experience. The service usually isn’t great, either, as they’re not trying to win you over as a repeat customer. The best thing you can do is to go a few blocks away from the main tourist areas. You will be shocked at how the atmosphere changes quickly. You’ll find mom and pop restaurants and more authentic souvenirs.

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#4 Getting Lost in Venice

You are almost guaranteed to get lost in Venice, but it’s really one of the best parts of any trip to Venice! As you wander the back alleys and bridges, you’ll stumble upon mom and pop cafes and hidden piazzas where local kids are playing. You might get a little nervous about being lost, but it’s an island, you’ll find your way back eventually.

#5 Signage in Venice

The signage in Venice is really pretty confusing. You might see multiple signs for the same destination, but they point you in two different directions. They’re all right, you just might take a roundabout way to get there, which is part of the fun of strolling around Venice. After a few trips to Venice, you’ll start to have a sense of direction and you won’t be so flustered by the confusing signage.

venice vacation
Careful you don’t drop them in the canals.

#6 Flooding in Venice

Venice is sinking a little bit each year, and in the winter, the areas tend to flood. When the water is too high, they’ll put up risers for you to walk on. It’s definitely a strange experience to have, but it’s pretty routine by now. The water tends to go back down later in the day, and the risers get put away until the next day. If your Venice trip is planned for the winter, make sure you bring some waterproof boots just in case!

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#7 Venice Public Transportation

There are not really roads in Venice, it’s all canals. So public transportation in Venice is all by boat, there are no buses or trains. The Vaporettos are public transit boats that you’ll use to get around Venice. Sometimes, you’ll see two lines for the Vaporetto. One for locals and one for tourists. This is to ensure the locals can get priority boarding over the tourist crowds.

#8 Paying for Public Toilets

You will have to pay to use public toilets in Venice. It’s usually 2 Euros, and you’ll need to have coins on you to enter. If you don’t want to pay to use public toilets, you can go to a cafe, but they’ll expect you to buy something in order to use their restroom.

#9 Venice Dress Code

Some of the best things to see in Venice are the churches, but they do adhere to a strict dress code. If you’re wearing shorts or a sleeveless top, you might not be allowed to enter. Generally, they want shoulders and knees covered. If you forget, there are plenty of vendors nearby who are willing to sell you a shawl or wrap to cover your shoulders and knees.

#10 Venice Day Trips

You might be surprised to find that there are other nearby islands to explore. There are lots of great Venice day trips to other islands, including Burano, Murano and nearby islands with beaches. And you’ll often just find local Italians at the beaches, as that’s not what most visitors are coming to see.

venice tourist attractions
Beareded or not, I love Venice.

Venice is amazing, we have returned many times! Hopefully, these “shocks” will help you prepare for your Venice vacation. Want more tips for traveling in Italy? Check out some of our other blog posts!