Italy is probably probably the most lovely and thrilling destinations to visit in Europe for its many attractions: diversified landscapes, tantalizing food, unique art scene, architecture and incredible wines. Though, there’s so much potential that you’ll be spoiled for choice when you visit. Preparing for a trip to Italy is simple: it just takes planning and commitment. The following are six preparations you can make to make sure your trip becomes an unforgettable memory:
1. Outline your itinerary
(a) Researching the best places to visit by reading articles and guidebooks
You will get information about the best tourist destinations, best restaurants and hotels. Reputable websites have great articles for the best causes: consider sites like TripAdvisor and Lonely Planet. The personal blogs of individuals who have experience traveling to Italy are worth a look. You can even talk to people who have visited Italy for extra information.
(b) Selecting the places to be visited.
The most popular places frequented by tourists include Naples, Rome, Venice, Florence, Milan and Tuscany. You have the option of visiting one of them this purpose or travel to some of them depending on the length of your trip.
Once you have selected the city you want to visit, have a look at the different tourist attractions found in each city: if you are planning to travel to Rome, then a visit to the Colosseum is a must, as Venice visited the canals to sample its riches. a scene in Shakespeare’s book “The Merchant of Venice”, Santa Maria del Fiore is also a major attraction in Florence. Purchase tickets for these attractions before traveling to Italy because once you get there, you may find long queues for tickets which will be a real pain. Tickets for this attraction can be purchased online at numerous Italian sites.
If you want a taste of the Italian coast, then you should head to Southern Italy: Naples, the Amalfi Coast, Sicily and Pompeii all have beaches. Learn some of the Italian language, particularly how to greet people and provide a compliment. If you plan to visit the countryside, take a brief course on Duolingo.
Length of visit: Determine the length of your trip. Depending on the amount of time you have, this will help you plan the places you want to visit. Consider the days of arrival, departure, and time it takes you to move between cities by train.
2. The season for traveling
Make a decision on the time of year you want to travel. Most tourists visit Italy from July to early September, this is the period when you’ll meet quite a lot of people. Also during this time of year Italy experiences soaring temperatures (around 32oC). Despite these extreme climatic conditions, airfare and accommodation costs are high during this peak travel season. Pleasant climatic conditions are experienced from April to June and from late September to October with favorable temperatures in the range of 10oC to 15oC which also coincides with the low peak traveling season making it an ideal time to visit Italy.
3. Choose a place to live
When choosing your accommodation, consider the distance from public transportation and if there are any benefits such as free transportation to or from the airport. You can plan to stay in a hotel, agriturismo (accommodation on a farm), a monastery or a hostel. For different options, consider living in a rented apartment that can be found using Interhome. Accommodation on the farm is in the form of a guest house which is located on the farm and is cheaper than a hotel. A monastery is also cheap but has strict rules. Hotels are costlier than hostels. The Italian website will offer you the options within your grasp.
4. Create a time and money budget for your trip
Analyze all price details: transportation (airline tickets and train tickets for inter-city travel) hotels, lodging, attraction tickets and shopping. Check current foreign exchange rates to see how much your money is worth in Euros used in Italy. The amount you allocate to your budget is relative to the attractions you want to see and the restaurant leagues you plan to use.
Don’t limit your schedule. Be flexible with your time as you may find long lines at tourist attractions or your train may be delayed. You can even insert free hours each day for relaxation and exploring the streets.
5. Buy a travel package through a travel agent or company
This will let you collectively book your flights and hotels plus get tickets to multiple destinations. You can find appropriate vacation packages on numerous Italian sites. Be sure to contact only respectable companies: you can inquire from your colleagues, family and friends or better yet check the Bureau of Business website. For a scrupulous check, contact the Society of Travel Agents to verify the travel agent’s credentials. Make sure you have a sound passport before traveling.
6. Contact your country’s embassy
By doing so, you’re going to get up-to-date information about the security status and travel conditions in Italy. This will make it easier for the Embassy to find you in case of an emergency. Do not ignore the travel advisory issued by your embassy.
Magical Italy has many destinations and attractions to visit: spectacular cities, sprawling beaches, historical ruins, magnificent museums and towering mountains. Keep in mind that when planning a tour to Italy, there are not any compulsory destinations or attractions. Choose your option, make preparations as described above and you’ll have a pleasing journey.
