Italy has consistently been a favourite destination for travellers worldwide for many years. Its enchanting beauty, unparalleled cuisine, and melodious language that could make hearts flutter at first listen are just a few reasons why. While it’s quite common to be captivated by Italy’s charm after a single visit, there are five essential things you should be aware of before setting off on your journey to this awe-inspiring country.
City Hotel Booking Isn’t Necessary for Your Visit
When planning a holiday in Italy during the high season, be prepared for steep accommodation costs, particularly in sought-after locales such as Venice, Cinque Terre, and the Amalfi Coast. These Italian hotspots draw global tourists annually, leading to premium lodging pricing.
However, don’t overlook the neighbouring towns for your vacation rentals in Italy. They often offer more economical options, provide a peaceful ambience away from the bustling tourist centres, and frequently boast roomier accommodations. While exploring Italy, consider staying in these quieter, less expensive areas just a stone’s throw away from the main attractions.
Choose the Appropriate Season
Italy, in general, boasts a fantastic climate. Much of the country enjoys abundant sunshine and even in winter, the temperatures remain relatively moderate. However, summers can get quite hot. Depending on your plans, the season is an essential factor to consider. For beach outings, summer is ideal, although months like May and September offer great weather with less crowd.
It’s advisable to steer clear of populous cities like Rome during mid-summer, unless you’re comfortable with intense heat. The wine region is best visited during harvest season or autumn, while southern Italy stays fairly warm even in winter. There are plenty of bargains in the off-peak season, but be aware that winters in the north can be chilly and wet.
Arrange Dining Reservations
Italy is well-known for its cherished home-cooked recipes, a legacy passed down through generations. Despite the availability of numerous walk-in eateries, it’s advisable to reserve a table in advance if you wish to enjoy their celebrated ristorantes, osterias, trattorias, and wineries.
These establishments tend to be fully booked during the high tourist season. Although online reservations are possible, Italy’s deep-rooted traditional culture suggests a phone call a few days before your visit might be a better approach. If you have the luxury of a hotel concierge, consider preparing a list of venues and dates you’re interested in and let them take care of the arrangements for you!
Verify the Authenticity of the Ticket
Once you arrive at the train station, watch for the green and yellow machines on the platforms – that’s where you’ll need to stamp and date your ticket. This step is often overlooked due to minimal signage and the information being only mentioned in tiny print in Italian on the back of the ticket. However, forgetting this step could result in a substantial immediate fine from the onboard controller, which can increase if you refuse to pay or contest it. The same regulations apply to the metro as well.
Stay Mindful of the Cover Charge (coperto)
The coperto is a service charge levied by restaurants, generally not exceeding a few euros per individual. It applies to everyone dining at the establishment, not exclusively tourists, and it’s not a deceptive practice! This fee generally covers the expenses of bread and oil served at the beginning of your meal.
Whether you consume this or not, the coperto will be billed, so we advise you to enjoy it! Unlike in the USA or UK, Italians don’t anticipate additional gratuity beyond this, making this system more straightforward. However, we believe it’s gracious to leave an extra tip for exceptional service, mainly since the coperto is typically much less than what you’d typically tip in other nations.
Endnote
Remember that Italian culture is steeped in ancient history and tradition, so be sure to take time to appreciate and learn from the nation’s collective experience.
