Hey there, fellow travelers! Today I’m in Rome, Italy. We love exploring new cities, and we know our fans do, too. There’s a lot to love about traveling, but we like to share a realistic picture with our fellow travelers. So, today we’re sharing the five things that travelers love, and the five things that travelers hate, about Italy vacations.
Hate #1: Tourists Everywhere! (yes you will hate yourself)
There are tourists everywhere in Italy, which means long lines to see all the attractions, and it can be hard to get a table at a restaurant in Italy. But, there are tourists for a reason, and you are one of them, so just bring your patience and try to go with the flow. (It doesn’t hurt to get up early and try to beat the crowds in Italy, though!)
If you are open to alternative locations, it’s possible to visit less popular attractions and avoid some of the larger crowds.
- Visit Lucca instead of Florence
- Instead of Rimini, visit Ravenna
- Stay in Vicenza or Verona instead of staying in Venice
It’s also really important to pre-book your tickets for the train and try to book “skip the line” tickets for the most popular attractions.
Hate #2: Pickpockets & Beggars
Because there are so many tourists in Italy, there are a lot of people targeting tourists. Italy has some of the worst pickpockets in Europe. And it’s not just men doing the pickpocketing; it’s women and children, so you always have to be on high alert when traveling through cities in Italy.
Read: Most Common Pickpocket Techniques Used on Travelers
Scams are another annoying and common occurrence. Read up on the most common tourist scams in Italy so you are prepared.
Hate #3: Bathrooms in Italy
Women especially will hate this part of traveling in Italy. The public bathrooms are rustic, to say the least. Many times, you’ll just have a hole in the ground, or if there is an actual toilet, it will likely be missing the seat.
Hate #4: Not Much English Spoken
Of course, Italian is the official language of Italy. For a country with so many tourists, there, there really isn’t a lot of English spoken in Italy. The locals will still try to communicate with you, and we can’t fault them for not speaking English, but it will help you greatly if you learn a few Italian phrases when you are planning a trip to Italy.
Watch: Ten Italian Phrases You Should Know
Hate #5: Traffic & Trains in Italy
Whether you are a driver or a pedestrian in Italy, the traffic is annoying, and sometimes terrifying. Just crossing the street can be scary, so pay close attention and follow the locals’ lead when crossing streets in Italy.
Perhaps we can blame poor time management on the traffic, but that’s something else to keep in mind. Time is a “suggestion” in Italy and you can expect to wait a bit if you have plans with Italians. It won’t be long before you’re on “Italian time.”
Trains in Italy are often late as well, which can be frustrating. I’ve been on super hot trains with no air conditioning, and super crowded trains with no room to move.
Love #1: People in Italy
The people in Italy are amazing. I’ve visited 20 times, and have traveled all over Italy, from Vicenza to Rome and the people everywhere in Italy are amazing. They are friendly, helpful and accommodating, even if you don’t speak their language.
Love #2: Food and Wine
The food and the wine in Italy are so good! Of course, you’ll eat tons of pizza and pasta, but make sure you try the meats and cheeses and desserts, too! Then there’s all the regional specialties to try as you travel around Italy. Ask around to find out what the region is known for, and be sure to try it.
It’s not just the food we love, but the entire dining experience in Italy. Dining in Italy is not just a means to an end; it’s an opportunity to linger and enjoy each others’ company. And although Italy is famous for pasta, it’s not often served as the main course. So, if you order pasta as your main dish, it may arrive prior to the other entrees.
Aperitivo time is something we love about Italy. It’s kind of an afternoon “happy hour” and the drinks will vary by destination. It’s just a nice way to relax between sightseeing and dinner. It’s also a nice way to meet locals.
Love #3: Cheap Public Transportation
The trains, buses and metros in Italy are all super cheap. It’s much cheaper to travel around Italy than in Germany, Portugal or Spain. They have fast trains which you can pay more for, or you can take the budget route and take a slower train.
Love #4: Weather in Italy
The weather in Italy is incredible. In the north, the mountains of Italy have great ski weather, while southern Italy has amazing beach weather. There’s not really a rainy season in Italy or a cold season in Italy; there’s always good weather in Italy.
Love #5: Italy Attractions
There are so many things to do in Italy; you’ll never get bored. Just in Rome, there are so many attractions like the Coliseum, the Forum, and the Vatican. In every city in Italy, you’ll find churches and museums to explore, and then there’s the gorgeous countryside of Italy, with beautiful landscapes. The variety of attractions is really astounding; whether you are into history, religion, fashion, art, or outdoor adventures, you will find it in Italy!
With these five loves and hates, you will be better prepared for your trip to Italy, and know what to expect when you arrive. Have you been to Italy? What did you love or hate? Tell us in the comments! For more travel tips, check out these blog posts and videos:
With these five loves and hates, you will be better prepared for your trip to Italy, and know what to expect when you arrive. Have you been to Italy? What did you love or hate? Tell us in the comments! For more travel tips, check out these blog posts and videos: