How to Prepare for a Trip to Italy

In order to make sure your trip to Italy goes off without a hitch, it is necessary to properly plan and prepare for your trip well in advance. Failing to think and plan out your Italian excursion can lead to stress and problems which can overflow into your actual vacation. Planning ahead, staying calm and organizing yourself are crucial to ensuring that your trip to Italy will be a rewarding and memorable experience.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Apply for your passport at least 3 to 4 months prior to your travel date. For those who already have a passport, you should check to see when and if your passport is due to expire, and renew it if need be.
2. Look into picking up travelers insurance and question your medical insurance about coverage while traveling to Italy. It may be necessary to pick up extra medical insurance that will cover you in Italy, because you want to always be prepared for the unexpected.
3. Research and formulate your travel itinerary. There are so many places to see and visit in Italy, so you will want to put together an itinerary that will allow you to travel to the different destination in the specified time you have available.
4. Basic Italian Learn a little basic Italian. By learning to use the language of the country you are visiting, you will be extending a courtesy to the people of that country. In most touristy areas of Italy, you will find more people that can speak English.
5. Become familiar with customs regulations. You can contact the airline you are traveling with and inquire about specific rules that are enforced by customs in Italy. Your luggage will be subject to search when you enter and leave Italy.
6. Check with airlines and vet for regulations on traveling with your pets. Italy will allow you to bring up to 5 pets with you, but make sure they have the proper immunizations and health certificates, which must be obtained 30 days prior to traveling. Pets should be microchipped, and be on a muzzle and leash while in public and on public transportation.
7. Confirm all hotel accommodations 2 weeks prior to your trip, and again the week of your trip. This will smooth out any possible snags before your arrival. Keep a list of the names, addresses and phone numbers of all the hotels you have reservations at.
8. Pack light. Casual outfits for sightseeing and daytime, and pack a few dressier outfits for dinning in the evenings. Keep in mind that you do not want to draw too much attention to yourself by dressing like a typical tourist. Use your carry on luggage for hygiene items, medications and small first aid kit.
9. Leave expensive jewelry at home and pack inexpensive fashion faux jewelry pieces instead. Let’s face it, no matter how much you try to blend in and not look like a tourist you will still do something touristy, and you do not want to be a target for theft. With less expensive fake jewelry you will not have to worry about accidental losses either.
10. Remember that Italy uses AC electrical current that has a cycle of 50 Hz 220 volts. So, make sure any electrical appliances you bring can be adapted to 220 and bring a 220 plug adapter.
11. Calculate and budget enough money to last for the whole trip and include miscellaneous allowances for unforeseen expenses. Italy uses Euro and you will want to do the conversion math to accommodate your budget properly. There are ATM machines in most towns and cities throughout Italy, so you do not need to travel with a wad of cash.
12. Create a list of important emergency information for Italy. Directory information you will dial 12. Dial police (polizia) at 113. Call the Carabinieri (another type of police) at 112. For medical emergencies, you can dial 118. Italy does have a road assistance club the A.C.I and you can call them at 116. The fire department can be reached at 115.
13. Make photocopies of your passport, driver’s license, other important pieces of identification and your travel itinerary (airline and hotel reservations). Keep a copy with you and give another copy to a friend or family member. This will help you in the event that you misplace these items and have to contact the United States Embassy in Italy for assistance.

Tips & Warnings

• For women planning to visit churches and museums, you will not be permitted in if you are wearing shorts, short skirts and sleeveless tops.
• Most historical sights and museums do not permit you to use flashes when taking photos and some museums will not permit videotaping and picture taking. Look for signs that are posted noting the rules on photography.
• Tap water in Italy is highly chlorinated and you should stick to bottled water. This will prevent any stomach illness from ruining your trip.
• Make sure you scrutinize clothing items you are buying in shops, because there is a strict no return policy enforced in most stores. You will also find that many stores do not permit you to try on clothing before you purchase it. This is to lessen damage to items while trying it on.