Italy is a Mediterranean paradise.
Thanks to its boot-like shape that juts out into the Adriatic Sea, Tyrrhenian Sea, and Mediterranean Sea, Italy has countless breathtaking coastal towns. Take a beach day in Portofino, hike between the five villages of Cinque Terre, and take a drive along the famous Amalfi Coast.
For culture lovers, Italy is also a treasure trove of ancient ruins from the Roman and Venetian empires. In Rome, be sure to take a tour of the Roman Colosseum, one of the seven wonders of the world. In Venice, ride the water taxis up and down the winding canals at sunset. In both cities, you can also discover some of the world's most significant Baroque and Neoclassicism paintings.
If you have more time, consider a trip to a picturesque Italian town like Bellagio on Lake Como to experience the true charm of Italian slow living. Or head north for a ski retreat in the Alps.
Wherever you end up visiting, you'll find coma-inducing pasta, centuries-old architecture, and a family-centric lifestyle that'll have you wishing you could stay just one more night.
THE ESSENTIALS
Language
Most Italians working at or near tourist hotspots speak some English. Beyond that, Italian English speakers can be pretty rare. But don't worry, you can usually get by with a greeting of "buongiorno" (pronounced bonjour-no) and a goodbye of "grazie, ciao!" (meaning thank you, goodbye!).
Currency
Italy uses Euros like many EU members. Most city businesses take card, (with a few of the bigger businesses accepting AMEX) but with small businesses or for small purchases I've found that many shop owners prefer cash. Unlike France for example, it's normal to pay for groceries or a meal out with cash. It's also a good idea to have lots of one and two euro coins for public bathrooms which often don't give change or take credit cards.
Plugs
Italy uses Type C, Type L, and Type E plugs which are all basically the same thing: sockets for two round pins. Italy's outlets run on 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. I recommend purchasing a universal adapter (with surge protection) so you don't have to think about this again and a converter for larger electronics like hairdryers.
Safety
In my opinion, outward misogyny or "machismo" in Italy is alive and well. For example, it's surprisingly common for men on the street to get in your face and tell you to smile more (I usually make an over-exaggerated weeping face and walk away ha!). Some male behaviors that are normal in Italy would 100% qualify as harassment in other European countries. But I've never felt that the actions of these bad actors made me unsafe. Despite rolling my eyes more than normal, the country as a whole is very safe for solo travelers and I've done it several times. As always, just pay attention to your surroundings and trust your instincts!
European Travel Notice
Starting sometime in 2025, US travelers ages 17-70 will need to complete an ETIAS registration form and pay a €7 fee prior to their trip or risk being denied entry to any of the European countries in the Schengen Area. It’s not a visa; it's a quick form that you will likely be granted instant approval once completed, but it still needs to be done in advance. The form is valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Visas
US citizens can travel in Europe for up to 90 days out of every 180 days without needing a visa.
Best Time to Visit
Italy is always a good idea. Unless of course you're caught in the midst of the worst flooding Italy's seen in 100 years and your dreams of a warm, sunny Italian vacation are... well, dampened. I happened to be a bit unlucky when I visited most recently in mid-May, which is usually a wonderful time to explore the country.
Just like much of the Mediterranean, the shoulder seasons are your best bet for enjoyable weather and escaping the worst of the crowds. Specifically, September is ideal since spring weather (as I've discovered) can be unpredictable.
If you're looking to visit during off-season, I'd recommend going at the beginning of February so you can experience Carnival in Venice. Alongside a week's worth of festivities, locals dress up in lace, sequined, and feathered costumes and hide their faces behind elaborate masks. Buy a mask and join in the fun! It's an incredibly joyful and extravagant event.
If you're looking to get away on a ski holiday, make plans for late November to mid-April.
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