ITALY
Italy is majestically beautiful on many levels, and the language will make you fall in love. While Italy has only been a country for 153 years, its history is rich, and the people are lovely. Having been to Italy a few times, we'll pass along a few healthy travel tips.
Did you know: Approximately 3000 Euro is thrown into the Trevi Fountain in Rome by tourists daily. It is then collected and donated to charities around Italy.
Are You Passport Ready: Before jet setting to Europe, ensure you have a valid passport for at least six months after your arrival date before they’ll grant entry to their country. It doesn’t matter if you’re only going for a day; if you don’t have at least six months of validity, you could, and probably will, be denied entry. So make sure to renew or apply for a passport quickly.
Packing: If we can offer any advice while traveling through Europe, it’s to pack LIGHT. Trust us when we say it will make your travel experience much more manageable. Pack enough for 4-5 days and then wash my clothes. If you travel by train and go from city to city, you don’t want to be lugging around a heavy suitcase. After day 2, you will regret it.
Bye Bye Jet Lag: The best way to combat jet lag is to get on the local schedule as soon as possible. Start doing this the day before you fly by going to bed early, and the moment you get on the plane, set your watch to local time. If you take an overnight flight and don’t get much rest, don’t go to sleep when you arrive. Instead, fight it. Stay awake until the evening to get on local time as soon as possible. Walk the city upon arrival. No matter how tired you are, getting out, exercising, and getting on local time is critical, or you will be off schedule the rest of the time.
Currency: The currency is the Euro. While we suggest it’s easiest to pay with your credit card in most countries, you must be aware in Europe. Always bear in local currency. Most stores will swipe your credit card, which registers as U.S. They will ask if you want to pay in U.S. dollars or euros. Paying in U.S. dollars would seem to be the more convenient option, but it’s not. It’s the opposite since the stores that do this charge a higher exchange fee than your home bank does. So, remember to always pay in the local currency of the country you’re in!
Google Translate Is Your Friend: We are fortunate to have many technological innovations, including the Google Translate app. It’s free to download and can translate over 90 languages. Travelers can translate any text, including street signs and menus, just by holding up their camera: English to and from seven languages: French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish. Best of all, it’s all without an internet connection. The translation is suddenly overlaid on the phone screen, just like that. It will become your best friend as you travel to the countryside. Don't forget that “Ciao” (Hello) and “Grazie” (Thank You) will go a long way along your Italian adventures.
Where To Go: It’s easy to want to pack in Rome, Venice, Florence, Pisa, Milan, Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, Naples, etc., all in a short time, but don’t pack your schedule too tight that you get too tired to enjoy where you are at. Make sure to allow 2-3 days in each place and be realistic about the time you can spend in Italy. It may just call for another trip or two to go to the other destinations you want. There are tons to do and see in each location.
Health Tip: Wine is abundant in Europe, and you won’t go to a single restaurant without it being offered. So, indulge a little on your getaway. All in moderation, of course. Wine contains antioxidants, reduces the risk of stroke and heart disease, and can lower cholesterol. And don't forget to treat yourself to a little Italian gelato along the way, too-it's delicious!
Empowering you to live well + travel!
