Italy is one of the most sought-after destinations in the world. With their jaw-dropping architecture, landscapes, culture, and cuisine, this isn’t so surprising anymore.

A trip to Italy is one of the most memorable things you can do in your lifetime. You want your stay there to be the most exquisite, and with that, you certainly want to make sure you bring all essentials. The last thing you want is belatedly realizing you forgot something important while you’re in the middle of the Colosseum!

For easier reference, check out our list of things to bring and to leave on your Italy trip:

What To Bring

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1. Jet Lag Relief Pills

Don’t overestimate yourself. It’s best to stay safe by packing jet lag pills. The journey to Italy can be very exhausting. You don’t want to waste a day or two just because you’re tired from your flight.

2. Power Adapter

Norma electronic cords from the US, unfortunately, does not fit with most Italian outlets. To stay connected on your phone, you’ll need a power adapter specifically for Italian outlets.

3. Italian Dictionary

You don’t have to purchase a dictionary since there are many tools available online now. However, a physical dictionary will come in handy for quick conversations when you’re lost or just trying to keep small talk. There are lots of Italian dictionaries or phrasebooks, specially formatted for travelers.

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4. Perfect Shoes

Your stilettos might be more comfortable being left at home. You are sure to do a lot, and I mean a lot of walking in Italy. If you’re not used to that, it’s even more important to choose the right footwear. It doesn’t have to be chunky gym sneakers. You can still bring dainty and fashionable pieces like comfortable sandals, cute flats, or even leather boots during the winter.

5. A Trusty Bag

You don’t have to bring a backpack (although it might be useful for an Italian hike), but you do need a reliable bag which can hold many items. You’ll never know if you’re going to head off to somewhere where you’ll hoard a lot of stuff like the beach or the supermarket. Nevertheless, this will be great for the souvenirs and trinkets you’re going to be collecting.

6. Camera

Who would not want to take hundreds of pictures in one of the most beautiful places on Earth? Whip out any trusty camera that can take captivating photos. Aside from the usual DSLR option, you can also explore other types like disposable film cameras. If you don’t have access to both, then your phone should be enough to document your Italy memories.

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7. Swiss Army Knife

Or any multipurpose pocket knife, for that matter. It can save you from the inconvenience of opening up a wine bottle, slicing sample cheese from the market, or any other menial tasks. You’ll be so thankful you brought this along with you.

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Sunscreen

Since you’ll be walking a lot, remember that sun damage doesn’t look beautiful in travel photos.

9. Travel Insurance

Please do travel with travel insurance as much as possible. Anything can happen at any given time. Being safe is loads better than being sorry later.

Final Words

Your Italy trip would be a hundred times better given that you are well-prepared. There is nothing more stressful than realizing you left essential things a thousands of miles away. You don’t want your trip ruined with these simple things. With that, we hope this guide has helped you have a better grasp on what to and what not to bring in Italy. Have a safe trip!

Whether you’ve recently chosen to go to Italy finally or you’re just curious about traveling there, congratulations! You certainly have an excellent taste for places. Italy is one of the best countries for travelers with its beauty and magnificent landscapes. Of course, the best advice and tips for traveling to Italy is best when they come from a local. So, in this, we offer a few insider tips on how you can prepare for your Italy trip (now or in the future!).

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Try To Avoid Tourist Traps

As with any other place, Italy also has potential tourist traps. Although it may be hard, there are a few rules you can observe to help keep you off these pesky places.

• Skip going to restaurants or cafes that are in close vicinity to significant landmarks.
• Restaurants that display their menu in several languages cater to foreigners.
• Shy away from using Trip Advisor or anything similar. Learn how to be more observant. Read reviews from Italians themselves.
• Go directly to locals to check which places are best to stay in and visit in Italy.
• Research thoroughly and read a good Italy travel guide weeks before your scheduled trip.

Get The Most Out Of Your Time

You can do this by booking things in advance to skip the queues. More often than not, you will be very frustrated due to the long lines in almost all the main landmarks. Not only will this waste your time, but it might also drain your energy. You might become too tired to visit and appreciate the places in Italy.

Moreover, some places only allow limited access. That means, if you plan on visiting the most exquisite destinations, you will do well with planning and booking in advance.

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Discover Daily Life In Italy

Yes, visiting landmarks is undoubtedly a must. But you can also get a little more out of Italy when you venture where the residents are. There are many ways to experience this, like the following:

• Taking public transport
• Going to local markets
• Strolling near universities
• Taking a walk in residential areas
• Eating where locals, not tourists, usually dine

With these, you are sure to feel like a native yourself too!

Plan Your Italy Trip Off-Season

You will never go wrong with Italy no matter the time of the year, but there are certain times which can make it more enjoyable. Generally, the spring and autumn seasons are a good time since the country is less crowded, and the temperature is ideal in these times.

If you’re not a fan of the summer heat, don’t go there in late June, July, and August. However, August is an excellent time to visit cities like Milan, Florence, and Rome. That’s when many locals are off, and traffic is less too.

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Don’t Forget To Have Pizza

Your Italian trip wouldn’t be complete without the authentic pizza experience. The number of choices is overwhelming. It’s almost as common as breathing air! Don’t be surprised if Italian pizzas are much simpler than what you’re used to. Go for the classic Napoletana or Marinara for starters!

There you have it. These tips are sure to help you create the best Italian experience. Traveling to a new country and experiencing its culture is one of the best feelings ever. Make sure that you also prepare well by researching properly and planning strategically. With that, the rest of your trip is sure to be one for the books.

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It doesn’t hurt to do a little research before heading on a big foreign trip. Knowing what to do and how to act in a new country does not only maximize the authentic experience but also shows respect to locals.

As with any other country, being cultured is key to having the best stay in the area. When visiting Italy, you will do well by using these tips during your stay. For the ultimate Italian etiquette guide, these tips are sure to fit you right in with the locals. Sit down, relax, take out a notebook if you have to, and enjoy reading!

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Basic Do’s And Don’ts

1. Do be conscious of how you dress up. Yes, it’s true: Italians do judge you depending on how you dress. It sounds rude, but they usually use it as an indication if you’re either an American or a tourist (or both). Shorts are deemed unacceptable in public, so don’t wear them outdoors. Similarly, wear something appropriate when visiting churches. Cover your knees and shoulders when visiting St Peter’s Basilica or St Mark’s Basilica.
2. Don’t forget to learn the basics. Italians appreciate it when you at least attempt to speak basic Italian with them. Learning some of the most common Italian phrases will help you move around the city more easily.
3. Do carry some cash with you. Not all shops or restaurants are going to accept credit cards. When in a foreign country, it’s best to keep some cash so that you are not left stranded and unable to pay for whatever it is you purchased.
4. Do watch your stuff. Even in Italy, pickpockets are looming all the time. Do put your valuables right where you can easily see and access them. Nothing’s worse than getting pickpocketed while traveling!
5. Do be patient. You’ll face long lines at some point for sure. Italians are not exactly known for being punctual. So, do not get upset if they are very casual when it comes to time.
6. Do not leave the table during dinner; it’s considered very rude.
7. Do not point with your index and pinkie finger at the same time. This gesture is considered very vulgar in Italy.
8. Do not talk about religion, the Vatican, Mafia, and politics. Also, do not ask questions about private family concerns. These are very tricky topics that might ruin your entire trip if handled tactlessly.
9. Do not fall into tourist traps. Avoid inauthentic and overpriced spots that aren’t even worth it. When booking your trip and planning your schedule, look for reviews by Italians themselves instead of popular trip advisory websites.
10. Do not try to see everything in Italy for only a short time. Slow down and breathe in this unforgettable experience. Try to allow plenty of time if you can, so that you can appreciate all the beauty Italy has to offer. You can still have an Italy trip even if you’re on a budget without feeling so rushed. Relax!
11. Lastly, do not forget to have fun. Even with all these tips, immerse yourself in Italian culture and bask in this unique experience. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

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Final Thoughts

Touring Italy means embracing the country’s culture. Even when you are not the best at remembering these tips, your trip will still be memorable if you show courtesy and kindness. Respect is the basic currency in any country, so be sure to bring loads of that with you on your Italy trip. Divertiti!

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Every country and every city has its social customs and etiquette. If you’re planning a trip to Italy for business or leisure, it is essential to be well-informed about the dos and don’ts when traveling. Being prepared about these things will let you shed your awkward tourist aura and have a more fulfilling and relaxing trip.

Greetings

If you’re talking to someone for the first time, make sure to initiate a handshake and say your greetings. “Ciao” is usually the greeting that will first come into mind, but it is for greeting friends and acquaintances. Instead, say “Buon Giorno” for good morning or “Buono Sera” for good afternoon/evening.

Italians also have great respect for their elders. Standing up when older people enter the room is a sign of respect.

It is common for Italian friends and families to kiss on the cheek when meeting, but if you feel that you are not close enough to do that, a handshake will do. In addressing someone, it is best not to call them by their first names upon meeting for the first time. Wait until you’re invited to do so.

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Dress Code

Most Italians dress elegantly and formally daily. As a tourist in the country, natives will evaluate you based on how you dress and how you present yourself, so it is important to dress neatly and respectfully.

Italians prefer fitted shirts and fitted clothes, so you might want to rethink wearing that oversized shirt for now. Flip flops and sandals are usually worn in beaches and swimming pools and not in the streets, especially not when dining in restaurants. Removing hats when indoors is a sign of respect, while taking off your shoes in front of someone is seen as imp lite.

Italy is home to many famous churches and sacred places. It is a must to see the beautiful structures and abundant history of these places. Make sure you dress appropriately when visiting these religious landmarks. Most tourists can get away with it, but knowing this will let you blend in more with the locals. They will appreciate it if you know how to dress accordingly in different contexts.

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Eating And Table Manners

In Italy, table manners are formal. Italians rarely share food from their plates. Be polite and formal to waiters when eating in restaurants. If you need something, go straight to the counter for assistance. Calling staff or waiters across the room for attention is considered rude and impolite.

Italians regularly consume wine, beer, and other alcoholic drinks as a part of their meal. Public drunkenness, however, is not tolerated. If you smoke while waiting outside or after meals, know that all public establishments in Italy ban it.

Language

You don’t need to speak Italian fluently to survive your trip to Italy. Learning a few essential words and phrases will be enough for you to get by. Moreover, in large cities like Venice, Florence, and Rome, most people speak English or can at least converse in English. Most hotel staff have English speakers whom you can ask for assistance during your entire stay.

You may still have trouble communicating even if you know the essential words. But locals will surely appreciate it if you at least attempt to speak their language. Don’t forget phrases like “per favore” or “Please” and “prego” or “You’re welcome.”

Always bring your tourist information guides and be mindful of these tips. Then, you will have a memorable and fun trip to Italy!

They say traveling heals the soul and makes you a better person. Traveling lets, you have a more open mind, and it humbles you too. There are a lot of good things going on when we travel, but the most important one is that we become happier as we visit the places we used to only dream of in the past. In this article, we will be discussing the reasons why traveling will make us happier. It is a happy pill, one that doesn’t require the prescription of your psychologist.

Read More

Since Italy is known across the globe as one of the producers of the most beautiful leather products, it should not be surprising if even a therapist wants to put on leather pants while roaming the country. After all, the material somehow goes with the classy vibe that the entire place has, especially when you are in Venice. You can even put it on while you are out on a date and not get weird looks from other people.

The thing is, wearing leather pants still comes with a stigma, which some folks are yet to get over with. Since leather has been made known to the public, there has been this perpetual common notion that only the bikers – the ones with the bad boy or bad girl image – will suit this garb. If not them, then you have to become a rockstar before you can even think about buying a pair.

The real deal is that no social rule can tell anyone who can and cannot rock leather pants. It is not okay to treat the individuals who happen to love wearing them as if they come from the bad side of the town. The material does make you look sexy because it can perfectly hug your thighs and legs and show off your curves – that is correct. However, it does not mean that you are already in the act of inflicting trouble to other people’s lives. Well, okay, maybe the idea of wearing it can cause distress to the guys since you may be able to produce some hot fantasies to them, but that is not precisely the kind of “trouble” we are talking about, and that is for another story.

Anyways, what I am trying to say is that leather pants are the “in” thing right now, particularly to the Hollywood female celebrities. Miley Cyrus, Miranda Kerr, Kim Kardashian, and Kate Moss are just some of the famous personalities who were spotted wearing these animal-hide pants, and they all looked rocking in them.

Some girls may say that those leather pants can only look good with few tops, and that’s a misconception, too. You can wear them with almost anything as long as you know what to match them up with. So, what are the best ways to style leather pants, you may ask?

Leather On Leather Is A No-No

First and foremost, you cannot be covered in leather from head to toe. If you go on a casual date wearing leather boots, pants, and jacket, it is not unexpected if the guy thinks that he is with a girl who came straight out of a Matrix movie or someone who has a leather fetish that is highly bordering to addiction. Keep in mind that anyone can only take in so much leather; if it exceeds normal, it’s unhealthy.

Loose Tops Are Cool

Now if you are aiming for that carefree, laid-back look, you can wear leather pants with loose shirts or sweaters, depending on the weather, and pair them up with combat shoes to exude that adventurous atmosphere that most people like to see in a woman.

Classy May Be The Way To Go

If you are more into that sweet, classy style, you can match it up with a boyfriend blazer or a button-down shirt and ballet shoes, which are either of the same colors of your pants or your top. Other than that, you can also wear them with pumps or black stilettos, to be more on the classier side.

Boots Are The Bomb

Moreover, some might have already slashed out the boots from their potential pair-ups with leather pants because it has been mentioned above that you cannot wear too much leather at the same time. Nevertheless, do not forget that not all boots are made of leather, so feel free to try on those boots that have the same texture as leather because they may substantially add more spice to your outfit.

Less Is More

In terms of choosing the right accessories after your deliberation on what kind of shoes and clothing you can wear leather pants, well, there is not much to think about. Less is always more when it comes to any leather because they are accessories already in their own right. You can wear trinkets of jewelry like a watch, a long-chained necklace, and a pair of earrings, for sure. However, kindly stay away from multilayered necklaces because they can make you look overly dressed.

Final Thoughts

You see, leather pants are not for the faint-hearted. Only those who are not afraid to have their curves seen can only wear them confidently in and out of Italy. Remember that in such kind of outfit, you have to feel good to look good. Think of the styling tips mentioned above so that you won’t get traumatized after wearing a pair once. Good luck!