If you\u2019re one of the lucky ones planning a European getaway this summer, it\u2019s inevitable that you\u2019ll find yourself drawn to Italy. The ethereal setting to famous movies like \u201cCall My By Your Name\u201d and \u201cUnder the Tuscan Sun\u201d \u2013 the incredible country boasts both unimaginable natural landscapes and centuries-old historical cities. Whether you\u2019re looking forward to laying on a cobblestone beach \u2013 listening to classical music and enjoying gelato \u2013 or maybe walking around a city center to soak up the beauty of museums, monuments, and the incredible Romance language, you\u2019ll surely enjoy your time.
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While all great vacations are defined by moments of spontaneity \u2013 impulsive trips, missed alarms, and even unexpected connections \u2013 there\u2019s something to be said for intentionality. Planning trips, researching culture, and reading about travel tips \u2013 whether you use them or not \u2013 can make all the difference for a stress-free getaway. From locals to frequent travelers \u2013 here\u2019s some quick tips for enjoying your Italian getaway, while still giving grace for spontaneity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether it\u2019s New Balance \u201cdad shoes,\u201d a new pair of Adidas Gazelles, or a cushioned ballet flat, one of the most popular Italian travel tips consistently is investing in a comfortable shoe. Italian landmarks and historical views are some of the most sought after in the world \u2013 preserved by centuries of empathetic travelers, considerate locals, and passionate historical preservers. On that same note, they were never constructed or redesigned for transportation in vehicles \u2013 making the roads narrow, often unkempt, and stoney.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re planning on enjoying incredible cities like Palermo or Florence, you\u2019re inevitably going to be spending hours on end walking around. It\u2019s a gift \u2013 incredible sights, casual exercise, and an excuse to overindulge in world famous cuisines (and gelato, of course) \u2013 but also a curse, if you\u2019re getting blisters and constantly complaining about how badly your feet hurt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019ve ever felt overwhelmed traveling domestically with more than one suitcase, going to Italy as an overpacker is practically a nightmare. The number one tip from Italian locals, tourists, and expert travelers alike: pack early and pack lightly. Not only is Italian architecture beautiful, it\u2019s also stoney, uneven, and inherently impossible to navigate with suitcases. Consider packing a duffel, carry-on, or better yet a backpack with all your traveling essentials \u2013 you\u2019ll thank yourself later, while in the heat of an Italian summer trying to find the front door to your AirBnb or playing tetris in the back of a small taxi car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t forget \u2013 in addition to packing early, with only essentials \u2013 to also prepare plans early. Look at the calendar days you\u2019re going to be in different cities and plan time to sit down with other travelers \u2013 or just by yourself, if you\u2019re the courageous & adventurous solo traveler we all aspire to be. Consider what you want to prioritize seeing, doing, and experiencing and make sure you\u2019re prepped and ready for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course, when it comes to prepping, it\u2019s important to also plan time to just enjoy the country \u2013 you should make time to see the famous landmarks and cities the country boasts like Matero, the Amalfi Coast, or Rome, but don\u2019t feel guilty about enjoying a day to yourself basking on a beach or sipping a Spritz at a lively restaurant. Your vacation is just that \u2013 your vacation. Don\u2019t let expectations about an adventurous and lively summer abroad shame you into spending your time anywhere that\u2019s not going to fulfill you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether it\u2019s booking a train seat, purchasing a museum ticket, or penciling in a popular reservation in a touristy city on Lake Como \u2013 booking ahead of time can save you the hassle of worrying about all your plans once you\u2019re on vacation. Of course, another upside to planning ahead, is that once you\u2019re on vacation \u2013 with pre-booked activities and tickets \u2013 everything is essentially free (or at the very least, already paid for)!<\/p>\n\n\n\n