Italy is a special travel destination, there are times I would like to get my duel citizenship and move there. I think of the Tuscany area, but there are so many incredible places. Italy often comes up on lists as being the most beautiful country.

Like any country, it has its unique customs and quirks. Avoiding common mistakes can make your experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here are 10 travel mistakes to avoid when visiting Italy:

Visiting Only the Major Cities
While Rome, Florence, and Venice are iconic, Italy has so much more to offer. Smaller towns like Bologna, Siena, Matera, and the Amalfi Coast provide a more authentic experience of Italian culture away from the crowds.

Rushing Through Your Itinerary
Italy is best experienced at a leisurely pace. Less is more – see less of the country and enjoy more of the locations you are in. Cramming too many destinations into a short trip can be exhausting and prevent you from truly enjoying the country’s beauty, history, and food. Give yourself time to relax, wander, and soak in the atmosphere.

Not Dressing Appropriately for Churches
Italy has some of the most beautiful churches in the world, but they often have strict dress codes. While I am a tee and jeans guy I do dress up for churches. I have see many people wearing jeans and tees in churches, both men and women but if possible they should have their shoulders and knees covered when entering churches, including famous sites like St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. Show respect.

Expecting Shops and Restaurants to Be Open All Day
In many parts of Italy, especially smaller towns, shops and restaurants close for a few hours in the afternoon for “riposo” (similar to a siesta). Plan around this, as you may find many businesses closed from about 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Assuming Everyone Speaks English
While many Italians in tourist areas do speak English, it’s polite and useful to learn a few basic Italian phrases. Simple greetings and phrases like “Buongiorno” (Good morning), “Grazie” (Thank you), and “Per favore” (Please) can go a long way. People appreciate when you try, or at least try to speak their language when in their country.

Not Booking Tickets in Advance
Popular attractions like the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and Uffizi Gallery often have long lines. Avoid wasting time by booking tickets online in advance. Skip-the-line tickets are well worth it, especially in peak season. This includes guided tours.

Tickets online may be purchased at these locations:
TicItaly.com
Italy Museum
Italian Museum Tickets
Online Tickets Rome

Check the official museum website first: Always try to book tickets directly on the museum’s official site to get the best price and avoid potential scams. 

Be cautious of unknown websites claiming to sell tickets at significantly lower prices, as they might be fraudulent.

Ordering a Cappuccino in the Afternoon
In Italy, cappuccinos are traditionally a morning beverage, usually consumed with breakfast. Ordering one after lunch or dinner may mark you as a tourist (along with your flowery shirt and camera). Italians typically switch to espresso (caffè) after noon.

Not Validating Your Train Ticket
If you’re traveling by regional train, you need to validate your ticket before boarding by stamping it in one of the small machines found at the station. Failure to do so can result in a hefty fine, even if you have purchased a ticket.

Tipping Like in the U.S.
Tipping in Italy is not expected in the same way as in the U.S. Service is often included in the bill (“servizio incluso”), and leaving a couple of euros or rounding up the bill is usually sufficient. Beware of many places now that are adding tips or places on the check for tips. They are trying to take advantage of tourists.

Driving in Restricted Zones (ZTLs)
Many Italian cities have zona a traffico limitato (ZTL) areas where only authorized vehicles are allowed to drive. Entering these zones by mistake can lead to expensive fines. If you’re renting a car, be sure to familiarize yourself with ZTL areas and parking rules.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can enhance your Italian travel experience and better enjoy all that the country has to offer! Know before you go.

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