Traveling abroad is always an adventure – visiting new sites, eating new foods, meeting different people and walking in new cities absorbing local culture. It’s always so exciting and memorable. But of course, with this excitement there is also perhaps the fear of the unknown – what to expect, what you need to bring, how to behave according to local customs, how to not stick out as a tourist etc.  These questions often cause many travelers (even seasoned pros) to catapult themselves into an anxiety induced tizzy.  But fear not! We have some great tips and tricks to help guide you through your travels from start to finish with packing ideas through even how to order coffee. So check out our below travel tips list and set your mind at ease.

Packing Lists – pack light! Having to lug around massive and heavy suitcases in cars or on trains is not ideal so do yourself a favor and think multi-function layers in some neutral tones so it’s easy to mix and match multiple outfits from just a few key pieces. There is no luggage service for train travel so you will have to load and unload your own suitcases so the less heavy items you have, the better.

Also do not underestimate the need for VERY comfortable shoes – Italy is very much a walking country, so you’ll be getting your steps in. In cities like Rome especially it’s not uncommon to get anywhere from 15k-20k steps in per day!

(Personal tip from someone who used to avidly and confidently wear stilettos daily – do NOT try and wear these walking around during the day. It’s one thing to be fashionable and another thing to sprain your ankle and end up in the hospital because your heel got stuck in the cobblestones. Wear heels at your own risk!)

If you need some ideas about what to pack including electronics or other items to make your travel experience more successful, check out or shopping list here as well.

Churches anyone? Don’t forget a shawl or something to cover your shoulders as this will be required to enter. Sometimes they will even make you cover your knees if your shorts or dresses are too short. A lot of churches will have coverups you can buy for a euro or 2 but if you plan on visiting multiple cathedrals on your trip, it’s best to have something handy.

Carry tissues / wipes / hand sanitizer – a lot of bathrooms don’t always have toilet paper. ESPECIALLY on the beach as most bathrooms on public beaches are just a hole in the ground so you’ll be thanking yourself for always carrying tissues and sanitizer around!

Carry loose change and 1-euro coins – speaking of bathrooms, some public ones at rest stops, train stations, beaches etc will require you to pay a small fee to use the bathrooms and no they don’t accept apple pay or credit cards so make sure you always have a few one euro coins handy.

Avoid scams – while walking around don’t let people give you anything (like bracelets, pamphlets, artwork, etc.) as they will then try to get you to buy whatever it is they gave you. Just say “No grazie” as you are being approached and keep walking. If you see someone who looks like they are peddling some goods, and they seemingly drop something on the floor – don’t pick it up thinking you are being helpful – it’s part of the scam and they will then ask you to buy what you picked up. Most will just leave you alone after you say no and walk away but some might keep asking and follow you a few steps – don’t be alarmed they are just trying to make a sale, they’re not going to hurt you in any way!

Mostly in Florence – be mindful of where you walk as there are artists that paint and draw on the streets and if you disturb or ruin their artwork they will get angry and demand payment for the damages.

Don’t make yourself a pick pocket target – pick pocketers walk around listening for people speaking languages other than Italian so stay aware of your surroundings – don’t walk around distracted on your phone, keep all handbags and backpacks closed, don’t wear backpacks on your back, don’t carry large bags, if sitting outside for a drink or meal don’t leave your phone on the table or your bag on the floor or hanging on the chair streetside. We advocate for common sense here – do as your parents taught you and don’t talk to strangers.

Be informed of locations – you should have a general idea of where you are and where you are going and the distances between locations, sites, cities etc. so make sure to look things up before you arrive so you aren’t feeling lost or overwhelmed in the moment you must get somewhere. Google maps is your best friend.

Wear Sunscreen – even if it’s not a beach day, the sun is strong and hot and you will burn.

Stay hydrated – summer is HOT in Italy and with all the walking you will do it’s important to not dehydrate. In Rome especially you don’t need to buy plastic water bottles over and over again – just carry a collapsible bottle with you and you can fill it up at any of the “nasone” famous in Rome that have fresh delicious water from the ancient aqueducts. Yes, this water is absolutely potable.

Air Conditioning – understand that AC in Italy (and Europe in general) is not standard and is not the same level as American AC. Many sites or museums may not have AC and if they do trust us, you don’t really feel it especially in the throngs of summer crowds. Lodgings also may not have the same strength AC you are used to in the states, and they may control the temp at the front desk of the hotel or shut if off during the day when they know you are not in the room. This is STANDARD and there is nothing you can do about it. Apartments that list having AC may in fact have it, but not necessarily in each of the rooms, so make sure you understand the listing before booking.

Restaurant Cover Charges (called “coperto”) – while tipping culture is very different and not expected at restaurants (maybe a few euro) it is STANDARD to be charged a “coperto” of anywhere from 1-3 euro per person depending on the type of restaurant, level of restaurant or type of meal – this will be included on the bill and is fixed, there is no negotiating this or disputing this charge so be aware of this.

We hope that these tips and tricks will help ease any of your travel anxieties so that you can have the most enjoyable experience while traveling our beautiful home country! And when all else fails, we just always say to remember the rules our parents all taught us – don’t talk to strangers and use common sense!