7 Things You Need To Know Before You Visit Italy

Seeing Italy was always at the top of my bucket list. Last year, hubby and I celebrated our 10th year anniversary and we wanted to commemorate it with something special. We narrowed the choices to Kauai and Italy.

We married and honeymooned in Kauai, Hawaii. I loved it. It was one of the most beautiful places I’ve visited. We thought it would be fun to return to Hawaii, maybe picking a different island.

We started by comparing prices on both trips and surprisingly, going anywhere in Hawaii was significantly more than going to Italy. That bumped us to choose Italy and I’m so so glad we did.

Neither of us had even been there despite hubby’s grandparents being full-blooded Italian immigrants. The prospect of going was thrilling. We looked forward to eating authentic Italian food and seeing the countryside. We contemplated all the places we might go but soon realized we couldn’t see everything. We had to discriminate.

We settled on seeing: Cinque Terre, Florence and Tuscany.

If you’re into beautiful settings, Tuscany is the place to go.

Pennsylvania to Italy involved 3 transfers and 10 hours. We went in March while the weather was a bit damp and chilly.

The architecture everywhere was a wonder! We visited domes, basilica, cathedrals and I was stunned by all of it. The unique Italian design and craftsman detail is sublime.

Based on our experience, here are some things we’d recommend.

Rent a car

Trains are a good option; however, if like us you want to set your own agenda and do things at a leisurely pace, you’re better off renting a car. We were able to meander down countryside roads that we never would have seen had we taken the train.

The roads near Cinque Terre were so windy and narrow that I had to occasionally close my eyes for nerves.

Italian cars are primarily manual transmissions. You can rent an automatic car but it’ll cost more. We had very compact Fiat and it worked for the two of us, but it would have been tight had we taken our kids.

The Italians somehow fit their families into these, so clearly it’s doable. It seemed that 9 in 10 cars were Fiats.

You’re driving a Fiat?! Isn’t that something. So am I!

The signs are Italian

I used an app that interpreted signs and Italian. We looked into downloading maps into our Garmin GPS, but the price tag was around $60. We found a free GPS app and loaded it on my phone and it worked just fine.

Businesses close for 3-hour lunches

I love how laid back Italians are. They take their lunch and take a nap and go back to work. Make sure you don’t need gas between 12 and 3pm because even the gas stations are closed.

If you’re prone to getting hangry (hungry + angry) like me, travel with snack foods. LOL. You might want to grab a lunch but in non-touristy places the restaurants may be closed.

Pisa Italy — A short stop in Pisa on our way from Cinque Terre to Tuscany.

Don’t expect Italians to know English

You’re in their country. You will need know enough Italian to ask simple questions.

Hubby stopped at a gas station, but couldn’t communicate with the attendants. We had to leave and find another gas station.

Parking is limited and often tight

You are better off renting a compact car. It’ll open a world of parking options. We had a small Fiat and that worked well.

At one hotel we had to pay to rent a space. The Italian version of a parking garage is not the American version. It is narrow and spots are tight. I was stressed because I was sure we were going to hit something while parking. When we did park, I could barely open the door enough to get out. Yikes!

Parking in Italy — These aren’t your typical American parking garages.

Public restrooms aren’t free

This was shocking to me! I mean really!? In US, any public place will let you use their restrooms.

In Italy, many public places will charge a convenience fee to use the loo. We found that if you were a paying customer at a restaurant then you are permitted to use their facilities. Hubby didn’t like the idea of paying to pee. Turns out there is some advantage to saving your McDonald’s cups.

Restaurants charge a sitting fee

When you go to restaurants anticipate a sitting fee. At the same time, tips are not expected or small so it evens out.

You pay to sit, but tips are optional so it’s a wash.

It was surprising that regardless of the weather — and it was mostly damp and chilly — everyone, everywhere was eating Gelato. We tried it and it was every bit as good as you imagine. I got tiramisu and hubby got biscotti.

There are no rules on the road

A lot of Italians drove well over the speed limit. They park anywhere. They even seem to not mind talking while standing in the middle of the road, LOL. I could never drive in Italy because I would probably have a heart attack. Fortunately, hubby drove and he said he didn’t mind it. He even enjoyed the roundabouts.

Italy Trip — Streets are steep and narrow. There are free spots but you have to find them.

I really enjoyed our trip and learned so much about Italian culture. My favorite places in Italy would be Cinque Terre and Tuscany. I love Florence too but I am more of a country girl. I love views like wineries or oceans.