10 Travel Mistakes to Avoid When Visiting Italy

Italy is a dream destination which provide a mix of rich history, stunning land, and world famous cuisine. No matter whether you wander through the ancient streets of Rome, go the canals in Venice or sample some of the true flavour of pasta in Florence, this country has a magical something about it. Anyway, to have a pleasurable journey, you should avoid common travel mistakes which tourists typically make. It doesn’t take much planning in order to save you time, money and endless stress.

Make sure you have all the important documents, in this case, your Italy visa before you set off to catch your flight. The visa process will be smooth and you will be able to concentrate on creating unforgettable memories. In this article you will find the 10 Travel Mistakes to Avoid When Visiting Italy, which will help you have a no hassle and fun trip.

Here are the 10 Travel Mistakes to Avoid When Visiting Italy

1. Overpacking Your Itinerary

It simply can’t be done in one trip, so Italy is incredibly full of awesome places. One of the most common mistakes that many travelers do is to fill too much in those short itineraries whereby they were exhausted. Instead of receiving everything, concentrate on a few chief cities or zones and draw out. With this you will really get to enjoy such places each one has to offer without feeling like you are racing through anything.

2. Not Booking Tickets in Advance

World famous attractions of Italy include the Colosseum, Vatican Museums and Uffizi Gallery. In case you don’t book tickets in advance you would end up waiting in long lines or not at all. Many of the major sites have you able to make online reservations, skipping the queue and making the most of your time. Little pre planning will remove many hours of waiting and frustration.

3. Eating in Tourist Traps

Dining at restaurant near the major attraction is one of the common mistakes made by the traveler. These places usually have high prices for low quality food. Instead, head to local neighborhoods and search for trattorias and osterias where the Italian people eat. The best way to enjoy authentic Italian food is in small family run places where you will find delicious meals at reasonable prices. Don’t be afraid to head out of the main places that tourists go you will always be pleased.

4. Relying Only on Card Payments

Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere in Italy, but cash is still essential, mostly the smaller towns, local markets and traditional eateries. There are many places that require a minimum card payment and some will not accept cards. It is always best to carry some euros with you and withdraw cash from the ATMs rather than currency exchange counters for better rates.

5. Ignoring Local Customs and Etiquette

Italy has great traditions and knowing how to behave is the least you can do for yourself. For instance, Italians won’t drink cappuccino after 11 AM, and you’ll get a few who will raise a brow if you ask for one at lunch. It is also required that you cover your shoulders and knees when visiting churches. Paying respect to local customs will ensure you are accepted by the local people and enjoy the authentic flow of travel.

6. Underestimating the Importance of Comfortable Shoes

Rome and Florence being just a couple of Italian cities with cobblestone streets that is hard to walk on. Unfortunately, tourists tend to regret wearing fashionable but uncomfortable shoes. With a lot of exploring to do in Italy, it’s advisable to invest in some good quality, comfortable footwear. You will make your way through the ruins, alleys and piazzas which will surely thank your feet.

7. Not Using Public Transport Efficiently

Italy has a good public transport system but many tourists use taxis too much and those are an expensive affair. For getting around, trains between cities are a fantastic mode of transport while metros, buses and trams offer a fairly budget friendly way of getting around in the heart of a city. Water buses (vaporettos) are the best way to navigate the canals in Venice. Public transport is the cheapest and best way to travel using a vehicle.

8. Skipping Small Towns and Hidden Gems

Cities such as Rome, Venice, and Florence are indisputable must visit places, but to limit your trip to this scope will unfortunately exclude Italy’s beautiful countryside and coastal towns. Tuscany, Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast have beautiful landscapes and are a bit more relaxed. The other is to visit smaller towns instead, where you can really experience Italian culture in its truest form as opposed to the crowds that flock to Rome.

9. Eating Only Pizza and Pasta

That’s why here Italian cuisine is something diverse: not only pizza and pasta are absolutely delicious, there are so many other things to try! Venice seafood risotto, Sicily’s arancini (stuffed rice balls) and so on, each region has its specialty. Try not to be afraid of the variety of flavors Italian has to offer, from fresh cheeses, cured meats to regional desserts. A visit to Italy is the ideal time to venture your culinary horizon.

10. Forgetting to Validate Your Train Ticket

On the other hand, many travelers end up on regional trains without validating their tickets and have to incur heavy fines. If you have a paper ticket, verify at a train station by using the yellow or green validation machines and stamp your ticket before boarding. This is not necessary for high speed trains with assigned seating, but for regional trains, always validate to avoid penalties.

Conclusion

Italy is a country that provides a combination of history, culture, food, and beautiful landscapes. The mistakes that most travelers make can be avoided to ensure a smoother and more enjoyable traveling. No matter if you make good planning of your itinerary, accept the local customs, or bargain wisely at the restaurant, few changes mean big difference.

If you are travelling from India, don’t forget to apply for Italy visa for Indians well in advance. Knowing that you can simply apply for a hassle free visa process means that you can simply apply and forget about things, and just enjoy the whole experience in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Get ready now to explore Italy as you would know how to do it.