Italy is one of the most popular European vacation spots and knowing some Italian customs can truly enhance your experience in this wonderful country.
There are several guides and itineraries that highlight some of the most important things for travelers to know when traveling to Italy. For a first-time visitor, especially, being familiar with these can be the difference between an average vacation and an awesome travel experience! Three examples of current authors’ books on travel to visit Italy include Fodor’s Italy 2010, Rick Steves’ Italy 2010, and Frommer’s 2010 Italy
Here are some travel tips to make your trip to Italy the best.
Learn a few Italian words and phrases. Although many Italians have been educated in Latin, most of them have not been taught to speak Latin often enough. Your Italians will make an effort to communicate and benefit from their trip.
It is true that most churches do not allow very old casual clothes, like tops and shorts. Italians believe that everyone enters the church with honor, and this especially in large churches. In St. Peter’s Basilica, in the Vatican, there are signs and security personnel that will prevent you from entering without proper attire.
Know on which days certain places are closed. For example: many attractions and museums in Rome next weekend. This is useful when planning a trip.
I am not Italian after 11 cappuccino; however, in most areas of the city, you can usually order a cappuccino throughout the day. In smaller towns this is not possible. In addition, Italians typically drink espresso called caffe, and drink it standing at the bar before going to work. Tourists tend to sit at tables and the cost is higher. If the espresso is too strong, you can order a caffe Americano, which is espresso made with more water.
When you order coffee or gelato, you typically pay first and then receive a receipt from the server. This prevents anyone from ordering and leaving without payment.
Italians do not put ice in their glasses. If you order ice in your cups, order a small bowl with a few ice cubes for yourself and anyone else sitting down. The same goes for ordering ice in Italian hotels. The waiter at the hotel bar will give you ice in a bowl.
When you order water at a restaurant, your options are bottled water, with or without gas. This is spring water or sparkling water. Tap water is not an option.
Purchase museum tickets in advance when possible. Major attractions such as the Vatican, the Uffizi Museum in Florence, St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, Leaning Tower of Pisa, and more can have long lines, and the smartest traveler can avoid them by ordering tickets online for specific dates and times. It is important to remember the times in this order: day-month-year.
As in any big city, like New York and London, there are gatekeepers, especially in Rome, and they can be a problem in Naples and Venice as well. They usually make a distraction and often play music instruments, using children. Awareness is key and keeping your money and passport in your silver belt can help avoid these problems.
In public restrooms, there is often no toilet paper, so keeping an extra Kleenex in your bag is essential. Hotels don’t usually provide washcloths, so remember to pack one.
You will not see butter on the table, nor separate bread. The salad dressing is oil and vinegar; there should be no other selections. You are still in Italy.
Taxicabs are usually waiting for a taxi in line near the main attraction. Italian taxis don’t get off the flag.
The first seating time for lunch is 7pm, and usually the restaurant gets busy not much later. Since food is so important to their culture and way of life, Italians tend to linger over Italian meals. The waiter won’t bring your check until you ask for it, which they consider rude until you show signs that you’re ready to leave.
It is difficult to find a public pay phone, Italians use cell phones almost exclusively. Briefly visit, use your US cell phone and calling card. For a longer vacation, consider purchasing a prepaid SIM card to use on your US unlocked 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 experiences with other travelers. Use your experience in Beautiful Italy!
http://www.italyinsf.com
http://www.lifeinitaly.com/food/coffee.asp
