PLANNING YOUR TRIP TO ITALY: FIRST STEPS
Decide When to Visit
The good news for travelers is that Italy is truly a year-round destination. Yet this makes it difficult to decide when to visit, as each season brings its own special highlights! Because of this, we typically recommend taking advantage of any chance to visit Italy. On the other hand, if your dates are flexible it’s worth traveling in the off season to avoid the crowds and save money on accommodations, airfare, and train tickets. Main tourist attractions such as museums and art galleries are open year-round; just make sure to check times as some might have shorter opening hours during the off-season.
Where to Go: Italy’s Best Destinations
Most first-time visitors plan their Italian holiday around the three major iconic cities of Rome, Florence and Venice. And there is no doubt that these beautiful places have a lot to see and do. However, yet, much of the country remains relatively unexplored. Italy is made up of 20 regions, each one with its own history and traditions. Besides, Italy’s classic “big three” there are other wonderful towns, beautiful beaches, breathtaking mountains, and an amazing variety of landscapes.
For instance, everyone knows about Pompeii but you do not hear much about Ostia Antica excavations in Rome. Similarly, you hear a lot about the Florence’s Academia Gallery, but not much about Naples’ Archaeological Museum. Go off the beaten path and consider the walled town of Lucca, the medieval village of Matera tucked away along the cliffs of the Basilicata region, the traditional fisherman town with colorful houses of Camogli, and the delightful town of Bologna. To name just a very few. If you’re after some inspiration, check out our unique sample Italy itineraries.
Where to Stay: Stay Central – Walk Everywhere
Before booking your hotel/apartment check whether the area is close to the places you want to visit. If you are in for a very limited time do not choose a place on the edge of town, as you definitely do not want to spend hours on commuting in order to save a few bucks.
Stay Longer in One Place – Do Not Try To See It All!
Traveling to Italy for the first time will be so exciting and you are going to want to see as much as you can. Italy is filled with so many bucket list sights screaming to be visited! Unless you are staying in Italy for a month or two, do not try to see it all in one trip!
Staying in one place longer can allow you to experience the city or neighborhood like a local. It always feels more rewarding to stay in one place for a few days rather than city hopping every other day. Not only does that mean less packing and unpacking, but you will also have the chance to get to know a neighborhood, find a favorite cafe, and even make a few friendships.
Do not Over-Plan – Do Not Plan to See It All!
This is your first to Italy trip and we know you want to see as much as possible. However, that is a common mistake. While it is important to plan your trip, do not to overload it trying to pack everything in. Instead, leave some unscheduled time in your Italian itinerary! Do not feel pressured to see and do everything. Chances are you will not be able to fit in EVERYTHING you want to see even more so if you are traveling as a family. Simply put less is more. When it comes to memory and travel, it is more about quality than quantity.
Make Reservations in Advance
Making reservations in advance is the best way to secure accommodations and tours, especially during peak travel season. Booking airfare and train tickets in advance also ensures that you are getting the best deals.