An Italian holiday can turn into a nightmare. The trip planner indicates six traps
When I saw the itinerary sent by my client, I knew that on the third day my dream trip to Italy would start to look like a nightmare. Five locations in 10 days, planned down to the hour – and all this in peak August.
The good news is that any plan can be fixed if we know what to avoid.
Fortunately, after over a decade of working as a travel consultant, I can spot gaffes from afar. Here are the six most common mistakes I see people making when planning an Italian vacation.
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Lack of research on transportation can lead to a stressful trip
One mistake I often see is not researching transportation options ahead of time.
For example, renting a car may seem convenient, but in some cities finding a parking space is difficult. This is due to the existence of restricted traffic zones (“ZTL”) in which only authorized vehicles can drive.
From my experience too Uber is not widely available in many places in Italy. And while taking a train between two cities may sound practical, sometimes it takes a lot longer than you think. Sometimes the flight is faster.
Overall, not planning your transportation in advance can make your trip more tiring and stressful. I recommend taking the time to research how to get around the country so that you spend most of your time enjoying the places and not just making transfers.
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It is difficult to eat in authentic restaurants without a reservation
Italy is famous around the world for its cuisine, but sometimes it can be difficult to tell which restaurants are authentic and which are tourist traps.
However, in my experience, this is the case It's not always possible to just go to a great, truly Italian restaurant for dinner without a reservation.
Those who go for it or skip booking in advance often end up in places geared towards tourists. The usual red flags are: staff standing outside and inviting passersby, a lot of free tables during rush hours and an overly extensive menu.
Failure to purchase tickets to major attractions in advance can mean long lines
Tourists who do not book tickets online for top attractions such as the Vatican or the Colosseum may get stuck in long lines at the ticket offices. Meanwhile, experienced travelers walk past straight to the entrance with their ticket on their phone.
This is why I always recommend buying tickets in advance on official websites.
Overpacking makes it difficult to move around
Over the years, I have noticed that packing light makes traveling more comfortable and enjoyable.
I have seen travelers breaking the wheels of their suitcases on Rome's cobbled streets, struggling to carry multiple pieces of luggage onto a train, or carrying overly heavy suitcases across Venice's many bridges to reach their hotel.
My rule for beginners: pack everything you think you'll need, then remove at least 50 percent. The most important thing – take smart clothes (unless you are going in the middle of summer) and the most comfortable walking shoes you have.
Unprepared travelers may have problems with summer heat and holiday closures
In my opinion, the Italian heat in summer can be exhausting. From late June to early September, cities like Rome and Florence can be extremely hot, with almost no shade – and air conditioning is not always standard.
I do not recommend traveling in peak summerbut if that's the only date possible, I suggest wearing light, breathable fabrics like linen and cotton, and bringing solid sun protection.
It's also worth remembering that August is the traditional month of Italian “ferie” (holidays). Therefore, it is not unusual for some shops and restaurants to be closed for several weeks.
Cramming too many attractions into your daily schedule takes away the chance to truly experience Italian magic
I get it – the list of “must see” places in Italy seems endless. Travelers may feel tempted to fill each day to the maximum and use every moment for more attractions. However, with only a week or two in Italy, it's not about seeing as many places as possible – it's about fully experiencing each one.
Moving too often is also a logistical nightmare, and a lot of time is spent on repacking and commuting, instead of experiencing the trip itself.
I believe that To really feel this country, you need to leave room for spontaneity — stray down a quiet street in Venice, sit at a café in a local Roman piazza, or enjoy a spritz while simply observing life around you.
This relaxed style is known as “la dolce vita” (the sweet life) and is the heart and soul of Italy.
In my opinion, it's better not to see something in Italy than to miss its true essence.
The above text is a translation from American edition of Business Insider
