Ten Italy Travel Tips

I've just returned from my fourth trip to Italy, and by far the most tourist-laden of my experiences. Of course, going to Rome during Holy Week was always going to be crowded; and I had a good time - but so many others looked to be having miserable trips.

First, I understand why some people take package tours - but I am not one of those people. My first two bits of advice are for them (for the comfort of travelers like me):

Tip 1: Be aware of the people around you and turn down your earphones a bit (this was something new to me - entire tour groups listening to their guides through earphones - completely unaware of non-tour group people around them) so you can hear others (who prefer more independent modes of travel) asking politely to get by.

Tip 2: If you are trying to extend your hotel stay at the beginning or end of your tour, do not send the hotel an email. Follow the booking procedures on their website, or book through a reputable website (I like booking.com). When you check in, confirm ALL of your nights, don't rely on the tour operator to do it for you. You MAY have to change rooms, you will certainly have a different rate. All this should be settled on CHECK-IN, not after your bags have been unceremoniously packed by housekeeping and left at reception because you did not properly reserve the extra nights.

Tip 3: "Third Floor" usually means 100 steps or more to climb. We're talking old buildings with high ceilings and long, winding staircases. Be aware of this when booking hotels!

Tip 4: Do not assume you are 'smarter' than the guide and then try to show off at dinner to your jaded teenager - he knows, as some of the diners around you do too, that you are wrong.

Tip 5: Get there EARLY! Pompeii? At opening time is a dream of ghostly winding lanes, at noon, however, it can be a nightmare. Vatican Museums? Lining up 30 - 45 minutes before opening means a much shorter wait in the long run. Trevi Fountain? A mystical, beautiful site at 7am. A pick-pocket's dream at 7pm.

Tip 6: Research the public transportation options before arriving at your destination. Leave nothing to "I'll just suck-it-up-and-get-a-taxi." It could be a price difference of 20 Euro or more. Also, do not have a travel agent in the states book all your train tickets without first doing research of your own on the best way to get to your destination!

Tip 7: Have at least two pairs of shoes - one comfortable, already broken in, pair of sneakers; and one "other" pair that is comfortable for walking but fit very differently from the sneakers. Change shoes once a day (I usually change shoes after lunch) to minimize blisters.

....and now about the food...

Tip 8:Picking a restaurant. The tried and true "look for a daily specials board" often does not apply, especially in Rome, where this is used as a tourist lure. My Italian Rules for Restaurant Picking are: Nothing on the menu costs more than 10 Euro, menu does NOT feature pictures, language translation on menu is minimal, most customers (if any) are Italian, and restaurant is located on a quiet street/alley away from the tourist areas (if possible). This lead to some fantastic food discoveries this trip, with most meals for two, with a half-liter/liter of wine and 2 - 3 courses, falling under the 50 euro mark.

Tip 9: Be Adventurous with your palate. Never had Octopus? Italy is the joint to try it for the first time. Just beware the asterisks (*) on the menu, that usually mean the product is frozen - which is to be avoided at all costs.

Tip 10: The word "diet" does not exist on Italian vacations. EAT EVERYTHING, you'll remember the flavors and food far longer than it will take to burn the calories off.