It’s always a good idea to do your research before going on holidays, especially if you have never been to a destination before. Now, while many things are similar almost universally nowadays, every place has its own cultural, structural, and administrative quirks and features. Italy is no different and, although it may be sometimes difficult to get used to it when things are done another way, it is always easier if you know what to expect. If you are booking a villa in Italy and are planning a vacation that you would like to enjoy with minimal issues, if you are looking forward to rest and relaxation, and if you want to avoid unnecessary stress, then here are ten things that we think you should know about a vacation in Italy and life in Italy, in general...
1. WIFI can be spotty
Almost all of our listings are vacation rentals in Italy with WIFI but if good internet is important to you, do keep in mind that the infrastructure for WIFI in Italy isn’t always perfect. We recommend contacting us about a villa with internet in Italy ahead of your trip if you want to double-check and our villa experts will be able to find out about the quality of the WIFI that will be available at different properties. When you’re out and about, also keep in mind that the internet offered in different places may not be incredible. Unfortunately, this is just a reality of some parts of Italy for the time being!
2. Air-conditioning isn’t standard
Similarly, air-conditioning isn’t always offered in businesses and rentals in Italy. We do have a range of villas with air-conditioning in Italy to choose from but many homes are just built using traditional methods to beat the heat – thick walls, smaller windows in some rooms, shutters, use of stone and tile, etc. If you are someone who can’t survive without air-conditioning or if you are travelling during the hottest parts of the year with small children, elderly companions, or vulnerable people then it is worth keeping this in mind.
3. Cover up before visiting churches
If you are planning on visiting churches, cathedrals, or other religious buildings while you are on holiday in Italy - such as Milan’s iconic cathedral during a stay in one of our villas in Lombardy or days spent exploring the Vatican while you enjoy one of our vacation rentals in Rome – then you need to remember to cover up! Bare shoulders or a generous amount of exposed cleavage can be easily covered with a sweater or by bringing a light shawl to drape over yourself if it’s very hot out and you don’t want to wear too many layers. When it comes to shorts and skirts, as long the hem reaches below the knee, you should be okay. Sandals and jeans are perfectly acceptable.
4. Always validate your tickets
Tickets for trains and buses in Italy are usually open-ended - i.e. have no date or specific destination on them - and must be validated to be used as a result. This means putting them into a machine that will stamp them with a date and time. These machines are near the front and back doors on a bus and on train platforms, generally near the tracks (when you get to a station you can ask where the validator is or merely watch to see where other travellers are going to stamp their tickets). Being a tourist will not be accepted as an excuse if you do not validate your ticket and encounter an inspector, you will be fined and may even be expected to pay said fine on the spot.
5. To tip or not to tip?
Generally, tipping is not expected in a majority of scenarios in Italy. However, if you are uncertain about whether you should tip, how much, and more, you should check out our guide to tipping on vacation in Italy.
6. Expect a pause
While things are changing in larger cities and bigger supermarket, fast food, and other chain stores may remain open, it is still largely true that most places will close for several hours during the day for a riposo or pausa pranzo. From around 1pm to between 3.30pm and 4pm, most shops, salons, restaurants and more will close while the workers go home, eat lunch, and rest for a little while – if you’re eating lunch out yourself, keep in mind that you’ll need to be there before 1pm as kitchens will close and a late lunch is not a thing in most restaurants in Italy. These same businesses will then remain open later in the day to compensate, typically until around 7pm or 8pm. Sundays and Monday mornings are also when many businesses typically remain shut.
7. Italy is a varied place
There are 20 regions in Italy, all with unique histories, cultures, traditions, and even languages – regional dialects can sound almost nothing like standard Italian. So, depending on where you find a holiday rental in Italy, you will have a different experience of the country. Don’t expect things to be done the same way everywhere and be sure to delve into regional dishes, culture, and tradition if you want to make the most of your time Italy and to have the most authentic experience possible.
8. Be sure to avoid ZTLs
ZTLs are areas in the centre of some of Italy’s historic towns and cities where traffic access is limited to residents and those with special allowances. Anyone who enters these areas in a vehicle without this permission will be fined and this includes visitors. If you are in a rental car, the rental company will simply forward your fine onto your home address and it will follow you as an unwelcome souvenir of your trips. So, before you drive into a historic town, we recommend checking if they have a ZTL or not. Signs are posted in these areas but they can often be hard to spot so it might be best of avail of public transport or shuttle buses and avoid getting too close at all. Those staying in a villa in Pisa, for example, will find that the city operates a shuttle services, allowing you to park well away from the centre and outside the danger zone of the ZTL while still readily accessing the core of Pisa.
9. Bars are for coffee – and other coffee culture tips
If you see signs for bars all over the place when you are Italy, don’t worry, they’re not all establishments that sell alcohol! In fact, most are actually coffee shops but, in Italy, many people enjoy their coffee while standing up, at the bar, before getting back to their day relatively quickly. There are lots of differences, in fact, when it comes to coffee culture in Italy so be sure to read our guide if you love coffee and want to make sure that you know how and where and what to order to get your coffee fix each day!
10. Stay alert
As with any place, there are things to be careful of in Italy. Some might warn you against driving, or going to specific places, or a host of other things. However, if you remain alert, know what to expect, are respectful, and don’t do anything silly, there should be nothing to worry about. Pick-pockets can be an issue in touristy areas and on public transport so be sure to keep bags zipped up and do not leave them on the ground or under seats, look alert, always know where your wallet is, and be wary.
Keep all of these things in mind and you can plan a perfect getaway in one of our dream villas in Italy.